iWork '09: The Missing Manual

Copying Builds to Other Objects

Once you’ve got an object trained to behave just the way you want it with a build in, build out, or series of action builds, you can copy all those builds to another object in your slideshow, making it behave exactly the same way as the original object. Simply select the object that you set up with your builds and then choose Format → Copy Animation; then select the other object and choose Format → Paste Animation. And with that, your objects’ mind-meld is complete: The second object takes on all of the build know-how of the original, absorbing even lengthy strings of action builds. (Note that this method replaces any builds that the target object might have had before.) Use the Build Inspector’s Build Order Drawer to fine-tune when and how those copied builds should take place.

Now hold onto that spirit of sharing and move generously along to the next chapter, where you’ll learn about the different ways you can share your presentation with others. From playing the slideshow in front of an audience to distributing it on paper or over the Internet, the next chapter is all about getting the word out.