How to Add a Timer to Google Slides (Easiest Way in 2024)
In this article, we will show you exactly how to set a timer on Google Slides in just a few simple steps. Simply follow the steps below.
Can You Add a Timer to Google Slides?
Google Slides doesn’t have a built-in timer feature, but you can add a timer by embedding a countdown video from YouTube or using an external add-on to track time during presentations.
How to Insert a Timer Into Google Slides
You can set a timer on Google Slides in two ways: either by adding a YouTube video as a countdown timer or by installing a Google Slides extension that provides timer functionality.
Method 1: Add a Countdown Timer Using YouTube Videos
Follow these steps to embed a YouTube video as a countdown timer in your Google Slides presentation:
1. Insert a Video From YouTube
Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Video.” This will allow you to add a video timer from YouTube to your slide.
2. Search and Select a Countdown Timer Video
In the “Insert Video” search bar, type “countdown timer 5 minutes.” Choose a timer video that fits the length you need for your presentation. After selecting the video, click “Insert” to add it to your slide.
3. Set the Video to Play the Timer Portion Only
Click the video and open “Format options” on the right side. Adjust the start and end times to display only the timer segment of the video.
4. Resize and Move the Timer Video
Use the corner handles to resize the video, then drag it to the location on the slide where you want the timer to appear.
5. Test the Timer by Previewing Your Slide
Click “Slideshow” to view the slide and test the countdown timer. Make sure it plays and ends at the correct time.
Method 2: Add a Countdown Timer Using a Google Slides Extension
Use these instructions to install and apply a Google Slides extension that adds a timer to your slides:
1. Install a Timer Extension for Google Slides
Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for a timer extension like “Slides Timer.” Click “Add to Chrome” to install the extension for Google Slides.
2. Restart Your Browser
After installing the extension, restart your browser to ensure the extension works properly. This refresh ensures that the timer functions correctly in Google Slides.
3. Create a Text Box for Your Timer
Open your Google Slides presentation and go to the slide where you want to add the timer. Click on “Insert” and choose “Text box.” Draw the text box in the location where you want the countdown timer to appear.
4. Set the Countdown Time
Inside the text box, type “<<5:00->>” for the desired time, which is 5 minutes. This sets the countdown timer for your slide.
5. Customize the Timer to Match Your Presentation
You can edit the font, size, and color of the timer text to match the theme of your presentation. This ensures the timer fits seamlessly with your slide design.
6. Test the Timer in Slideshow Mode
Click “Slideshow” to test the timer. The timer will start counting down from the time you entered in the text box, such as 5 minutes.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to add a timer on Google Slides. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our articles on how to move slides in Google Slides and how to make a timeline in Google Slides.
