How do you change the animation sequence of the SmartArt?

To change the animation sequence of your SmartArt graphic, you primarily use the Animation Pane within your presentation software. This pane allows you to view and rearrange the individual animation effects applied to the SmartArt elements.

Changing the order of animations on your SmartArt involves accessing the specific tool designed for managing multiple animation effects – the Animation Pane. Once open, this pane lists all animations applied to objects on the slide, including the steps for your SmartArt.

Here are the key steps, leveraging the provided reference:

1. Select the SmartArt graphic: Begin by clicking on the border of the SmartArt graphic on your slide to select it.
2. Access the Animations tab: Navigate to the ribbon at the top of the application window and click on the Animations tab.
3. Open the Animation Pane: Within the Animations tab, locate and click the Animation Pane button. This action opens a dedicated pane, typically on the side of your screen, listing all animations.
4. Identify SmartArt elements in the pane: In the Animation Pane list, you will see the animation applied to your SmartArt, often broken down by individual shapes or branches depending on how you applied the animation effect (e.g., "As one object," "All at once," "One by one").
5. Select the element you want to change: Click on the specific entry in the Animation Pane list that corresponds to the SmartArt element's animation step you wish to move.

Rearranging the Animation Order

Once you have identified the animation step for the SmartArt element in the Animation Pane (as described in step 5 above), you can change its sequence:

• Drag and Drop: The most common method is to click and hold the selected animation entry in the list and drag it up or down to the desired position in the sequence. A line will indicate where it will be placed when you release the mouse button.
• Use Reorder Controls: Some versions of the Animation Pane provide "Reorder" arrows (Up and Down) at the top or bottom of the pane. With the animation entry selected, you can click these arrows to move it one step up or down in the list.

By utilizing the Animation Pane and its reordering capabilities, you gain granular control over the exact order in which each part of your SmartArt appears during the presentation.

Further Information: For more details on animating SmartArt, you can refer to the official Microsoft support page: Animate your SmartArt graphic.