In PowerPoint's presentation mode (also known as Slide Show view), you cannot change the position of a 3D model on the slide. However, you can interact with it by rotating it to view it from different angles.
Understanding 3D Model Interaction in PowerPoint
It's important to distinguish between moving and rotating a 3D model, as different actions are possible depending on whether you are editing your presentation or delivering it.
Moving vs. Rotating
- Moving: This refers to changing the model's physical location on the slide canvas (e.g., shifting it from the center to a corner).
- Rotating: This refers to spinning the model around its own axis to view it from various perspectives.
Actions in Editing Mode
All modifications to a 3D model's position, size, or default rotation angle are performed when you are in editing mode (the standard view where you add and arrange content on your slides).
- To Move a 3D Model: Click on the 3D model on the slide canvas and drag it to the desired location. Release the mouse button to drop it there.
- To Rotate a 3D Model (Editing Mode): As referenced, once you insert the 3D model, you can rotate the model according to the angle you want to view it from. To be able to rotate the model, click on the 3D model and the rotation tool will appear at the center. Hold the mouse pointer inside the rotation tool then rotate it freely in any direction. This tool helps you set the initial orientation of the model that will be displayed when the slide first appears in presentation mode.
Actions in Presentation Mode (Slide Show)
When you are running your slideshow (in Presentation Mode or Slide Show view):
- Moving a 3D Model: You cannot move the 3D model to a different location on the slide. Its position is fixed based on where you placed it in editing mode.
- Rotating a 3D Model: You can interactively rotate the 3D model live during the presentation. To do this, simply click and drag the model directly with your mouse. As you drag, the model will spin, allowing your audience to dynamically see it from any angle you choose.
Quick Comparison: Move vs. Rotate in Different Modes
For clarity, here's a quick comparison:
| Action | Mode | Purpose | Possible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move | Editing Mode | Change location on slide | Yes |
| Move | Presentation Mode | Change location on slide during slideshow | No |
| Rotate | Editing Mode | Set default viewing angle using rotation tool | Yes |
| Rotate | Presentation Mode | Interact live by clicking and dragging to show angles | Yes |
Summary
To reiterate, changing the position of a 3D model is a task performed while editing your PowerPoint presentation. In presentation mode, your interaction with a 3D model is limited to dynamically rotating it using your mouse to show different sides during the slideshow.
