Microsoft PowerPoint software combines text, graphics and animation to create visual presentations on electronic slides. Transition effects manipulate an entire slide, while custom animation is applied to objects on the slide.

Uses

Slide transition effects create smooth moves from one slide to the next. Custom animation moves objects on a slide automatically or with the click of a mouse.

Effect Types

Common slide transition effects include fade smoothly, fade to black, dissolve, wipe up/down/left/right and flip. Custom animation effects include fade in, fly in, rise up, follow a motion path, and blink, zoom or disappear.

Commands

Find slide transition effects under the "Transitions" command in PowerPoint, and custom animation effects under "Custom Animation," using the "Slideshow" menu or "Animations" tab (PowerPoint 2007 only).

Ease of Editing

To edit or change a slide transition effect or custom animation, select the slide or object you wish to change, then choose "Transitions" or "Custom Animation" from the "Slideshow" menu or "Animations" tab (PowerPoint 2007 only).

PowerPoint Versions

Although PowerPoint 2007 for Windows has a different interface from PowerPoint versions from 1997 through 2008, terminology and commands for adding slide transition effects and custom animation are the same. Mac and Windows versions (other than 2007) look almost identical.

Source:

EllenFinkelstein.com: Combine PowerPoint Animation Techniques

PPTHeaven.mvps.org: The Power To Animate - Tutorials

Indezine.com: PowerPoint Motion Paths

Resource:

Microsoft.com: PowerPoint Help and How-To

PowerPoint Animation Effects