animation effect choices grayed out

[CCH014]

Version: 2008
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: Intel

I would like to add animations to some text (within a shape) that I've created, but when I open the "emphasis" pane of "animation effects" most of the choices within the list of animations are grayed out. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to make the other choices available?

 

[CyberTaz]

Is what you're referring to as a "shape" actually a SmartArt Graphic? Or did
you create the shape within one or within a Chart Object?

Otherwise I've not seen this occur & can't force it to happen, so I really
can't say for sure. First make sure that Office is fully updated - 12.1.2 is
the current level. Also, repair disk permissions & shut down then start up
your Mac - don't just Restart.

If that doesn't produce any improvement reply with more complete details
about the shape involved, what tool used, what exact procedure you're using
& anything else about the file's origin, etc.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[CCH014]

Thanks for your help!

I created a shape by going to the "object palette." E.g. I just opened a blank slide and drew a square by selecting the square shape from the object palette. Then I click on the "custom animation" panel and (with the shape selected) I click on the "Add Emphasis Effect" from the "Add Effect" line. Most of the choices are grayed out and I don't understand why.

I did just discover that if I select the slide TITLE and try to add an effect, the whole list is available to me. Why can I choose from all of them for a title but not a shape?

 

[CyberTaz]

If the description of your process is complete & accurate the problem stems
from not having any text in the shape. Only certain effects can be applied
to a shape with no text content. Type the text first & see if the other
effects don't come to life.

HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[CCH014]

Wow, starting to get to the heart of the problem. On my blank slide, when I type some text in the shape, I'm able to animate it with any choice from the list.

However, on the slide I'd previously done which has a table on it, it will only let me animate a new shape (with text) with a few select animation effects. Very interesting. At least I understand what's going on a bit more now - it seems to dislike the table being there. (Note I'm not selecting the table; rather, I've put a shape with some text in it on top of the table.) I may have to recreate the slide without using a table.

Thanks for your help!

 

[CyberTaz]

A Table falls into the same category as SmartArt & Charts preventing the
choice of certain effects. Try creating the shape outside the table then
dragging it in. Or for what you already have, cut it then paste it away from
the table, then move it after you apply the effect.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac