How to Set a Timer on Google Slides: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to inject a bit of dynamism into your Google Slides presentation? Excellent! One of the best ways to do that is by incorporating a timer. Whether you’re orchestrating a timed quiz, managing speaker slots at a conference, or simply ensuring you stick to your allotted presentation time, a timer can be a game-changer. Directly, there’s no built-in timer functionality within Google Slides itself. But fear not! There are some workarounds, let’s explore those.

Workaround 1: Leveraging YouTube Embeds

One of the most straightforward approaches involves embedding a YouTube video of a timer directly into your slide. The beauty here is the sheer variety of timers available on YouTube – digital, analog, themed, you name it.

Finding the Right Timer Video

First things first, head over to YouTube and search for a timer that suits your needs. Be specific! Try searching for “10-minute countdown timer with alarm” or “5-minute hourglass timer.” Preview different options to ensure the visual style and alarm sound are to your liking.

Embedding the Video

Once you’ve found the perfect timer video, follow these steps:

1. Copy the YouTube video URL.
2. In your Google Slides presentation, navigate to the slide where you want the timer to appear.
3. Click on Insert in the menu bar, then select Video.
4. Choose By URL and paste the YouTube video URL into the field.
5. Click Select. The timer video will now be embedded in your slide.
6. Resize and position the video as desired.

Presentation Setup

Before you present, ensure the video’s autoplay setting is enabled. Select the video on the slide, and under Format options, select Video playback, and check the box next to Autoplay when presenting.

Workaround 2: Utilizing Google Apps Script

For those comfortable with a bit of coding, Google Apps Script offers a powerful solution for creating a custom timer. This method is more advanced but provides the most control and customization.

Accessing the Script Editor

1. In your Google Slides presentation, click on Tools in the menu bar.
2. Select Script editor. This will open the Google Apps Script editor in a new tab.

The Timer Script

Here’s a basic script you can adapt:

function onOpen() {   var ui = SlidesApp.getUi();   ui.createMenu('Timer')       .addItem('Start Timer', 'startTimerDialog')       .addToUi(); }  function startTimerDialog() {   var ui = SlidesApp.getUi();   var result = ui.prompt(       'Set Timer Duration',       'Enter the timer duration in seconds:',       ui.ButtonSet.OK_CANCEL);    if (result.getSelectedButton() == ui.Button.OK) {     var duration = parseInt(result.getResponseText());     if (isNaN(duration) || duration <= 0) {       ui.alert('Invalid duration. Please enter a positive number.');       return;     }     startTimer(duration);   } }  function startTimer(duration) {   var presentation = SlidesApp.getActivePresentation();   var slide = presentation.getSlides()[presentation.getCurrentPage().getIndex() - 1];   var shape = slide.insertShape(SlidesApp.ShapeType.TEXT_BOX, 100, 100, 300, 50);   var textRange = shape.getText();   textRange.setText('Timer: ' + duration);   var timeLeft = duration;    var interval = setInterval(function() {     timeLeft--;     textRange.setText('Timer: ' + timeLeft);      if (timeLeft <= 0) {       clearInterval(interval);       textRange.setText('Time Up!');       // Optionally play a sound or change slide     }   }, 1000); // Update every 1000 milliseconds (1 second) } 

Explaining the Script

• onOpen(): Creates a custom menu in Google Slides called “Timer” with an option to “Start Timer.”
• startTimerDialog(): Prompts the user to enter the timer duration in seconds.
• startTimer(duration): Creates a text box on the current slide displaying the timer. It then uses setInterval to update the timer every second. When the timer reaches zero, it displays “Time Up!” You can add code to play a sound or advance to the next slide.

Implementing and Running the Script

1. Copy and paste the script into the Script editor.
2. Save the script. Give it a meaningful name like “GoogleSlidesTimer.”
3. Refresh your Google Slides presentation. You should now see a “Timer” menu in the menu bar.
4. Click on Timer -> Start Timer and enter the desired duration in seconds.
5. The timer will appear on the currently selected slide.

Important Considerations for Apps Script:

• Authorizing the script will be necessary.
• Security permissions may require review and approval.
• The script is basic; customize it further to meet your specific needs.

Workaround 3: Online Timer Websites

There are numerous websites that offer full-screen timers perfectly suited for presentations. Simply navigate to one of these sites in a separate browser window and share your screen (or a specific application window) during your presentation.

Recommended Websites

• OnlineClock.net: Offers a variety of timers, stopwatches, and clocks with customizable display options.
• TimerTab.com: A minimalist timer that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
• e.ggtimer.com: A quick and easy timer where you can specify the duration directly in the URL (e.g., e.ggtimer.com/5minutes).

Presentation Setup

1. Open your chosen timer website in a separate browser window before you start your presentation.
2. When you’re ready to display the timer, use your presentation software’s screen sharing feature to share the browser window containing the timer.
3. Position the timer window so it’s visible to your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I customize the appearance of the YouTube timer?

Yes, to some extent. When searching for a YouTube timer, look for videos that offer different visual styles (e.g., minimalist, colorful, themed). Some videos may also allow you to adjust the background color or font through annotations (click on the “i” icon in the top right corner of the video, when available, to access annotations).

2. How do I ensure the YouTube timer starts automatically on the correct slide?

Enable the “Autoplay when presenting” option for the embedded video. Also, practice your presentation flow to ensure you switch to the correct slide at the right time.

3. Is it possible to play a sound when the YouTube timer finishes?

Yes, most YouTube timer videos include an alarm sound at the end. Make sure your presentation computer’s volume is turned up so the alarm is audible. Also check that YouTube videos can play audio properly.

4. What if I don’t want ads to show up during the YouTube timer?

Consider using a YouTube Premium subscription, which removes ads. Alternatively, search for timer videos specifically designed to be ad-free.

5. Can I use Google Apps Script if I have no coding experience?

While it’s possible to copy and paste the script provided, understanding the basics of JavaScript is highly recommended for customization and troubleshooting. Numerous online resources can help you learn JavaScript fundamentals.

6. How do I change the font and size of the timer in the Google Apps Script?

Modify the shape object in the startTimer function. For example:

var textRange = shape.getText(); textRange.getTextStyle().setFontSize(24); // Set font size to 24 textRange.getTextStyle().setFontFamily('Arial'); // Set font family to Arial textRange.getTextStyle().setForegroundColor('red'); //Set font color to red 

7. Can I trigger an action (e.g., advance to the next slide) when the Google Apps Script timer finishes?

Yes, you can add code to the if (timeLeft <= 0) block in the startTimer function. For example, to advance to the next slide:

if (timeLeft <= 0) {   clearInterval(interval);   textRange.setText('Time Up!');   presentation.next(); // Advance to the next slide } 

8. Are there any security concerns with using Google Apps Script?

Google Apps Script requires authorization to access and modify your Google Slides presentation. Review the permissions carefully before granting access. Be cautious when using scripts from untrusted sources.

9. Can I customize the appearance of the online timer websites?

Many online timer websites offer customization options such as background color, font style, and alarm sound. Explore the settings or options menu on the website.

10. How do I prevent the online timer website from being accidentally closed during my presentation?

Pin the browser tab containing the timer. This will prevent it from being accidentally closed. Also, practice using screen sharing to ensure a smooth transition between your presentation and the timer.

11. How to make sure the embedded youtube video doesn’t show related videos when its done?

Append ?rel=0 to the end of the youtube URL, for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ?rel=0. That will remove related videos, giving a cleaner look.

12. Can I use a countdown app or a third-party extension to set a timer in Google Slides?

Yes, some Chrome extensions or third-party applications might offer timer functionalities that integrate with Google Slides. Always review the security and permissions of any extension or application before installing it. Research reputable options within the Chrome Web Store.