UbiTimer feature guide

UbiTimer Auto-Start Timer Guide

UbiTimer can automatically start a PowerPoint timer when you reach selected slides during Slide Show mode. This is useful when you want your presentation timing to begin without manually pressing Start.

You can choose how Auto-Start behaves, including starting on tagged slides, starting on the first slide only, or leaving automatic start switched off.

Choose Your Auto-Start Mode

Open the UbiTimer task pane, go to the Timer tab and choose the Auto-Start mode you want to use.

Tagged Slides

The timer starts automatically on slides that have been configured for Auto-Start.

First Slide Only

The timer starts automatically when the presentation begins on the first slide.

Off (Manual)

Automatic start is disabled and the timer is started manually when you need it.

How to Auto-Start a Timer on a Specific Slide

If you are using the Tagged Slides mode, configure the slides where you want the timer to start automatically.

  1. Open the slide Navigate to the PowerPoint slide where you want the timer to start.
  2. Open Timer Behaviour In the UbiTimer task pane, scroll to the Timer Behaviour controls.
  3. Enable Auto-Start Select Auto start timer on this slide.
  4. Apply the setting Click Apply to save the Auto-Start behaviour for that slide.

When you reach that slide during Slide Show mode, UbiTimer will start the timer automatically according to your Auto-Start settings.

Start the Timer Immediately on the Current Slide

Auto-Start and manual Start are separate actions. If you want to begin the timer immediately rather than waiting for an Auto-Start trigger, use the manual start control.

  1. Open the slide you want to time.
  2. Click Start timer on current slide.

The timer will begin immediately on the active slide.

How to Remove Auto-Start From a Slide

  1. Open the slide Navigate to the slide where Auto-Start is currently enabled.
  2. Disable the setting Clear Auto start timer on this slide.
  3. Apply the change Click Apply to save the updated behaviour.

The timer will no longer start automatically when you reach that slide.

Present as Normal

Once Auto-Start has been configured, start your PowerPoint presentation normally in Slide Show mode. UbiTimer will use the Auto-Start mode and slide behaviour settings you selected.

It is a good idea to test the presentation once before presenting live, especially when several slides use different timer behaviours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start a PowerPoint timer automatically on one slide only?

Yes. Select the slide, enable Auto start timer on this slide in the Timer Behaviour section, and click Apply.

What does Tagged Slides mode do?

Tagged Slides mode allows the timer to start automatically only on slides that have been configured for Auto-Start behaviour.

Can I turn off automatic start?

Yes. Select Off (Manual) in the Modes section, or disable Auto start timer on this slide on individual slides and click Apply.

Does Auto-Start work in Slide Show mode?

Yes. Auto-Start behaviour is designed to activate while you run your presentation in PowerPoint Slide Show mode.

Related UbiTimer Guides

PowerPoint Timer Auto-Start Learn when and why to use automatic PowerPoint timer starts. Apply Timer Styles to Slides Keep timer styling consistent throughout your presentation. UbiTimer Timer Groups Learn how to create and manage grouped timers. Global Timer for PowerPoint Keep one timer running through multiple PowerPoint slides. PowerPoint Timer Explore UbiTimer countdown, count-up and presentation timing. UbiTimer Support Centre Find additional setup instructions and troubleshooting help.