⭐ Introduction: Why Teachers Need a Global Timer in PowerPoint
Teachers often want a global timer PowerPoint setup that keeps running even when they change slides.
For example:
A 10-minute starter that continues while you move between instructions
A countdown that stays visible during KS3/KS4 revision
An assembly timer that keeps the whole event on track
Group work activities where students see the same timer as you circulate
A behaviour management routine (e.g., “Finish in 2 minutes!”)
The problem?
❌ PowerPoint cannot create a true global timer PowerPoint by default.
Timers built with animations reset when you switch slides, and you cannot easily keep a countdown running across your whole presentation.
This guide explains the built-in limitations and shows how teachers can create a reliable Global Timer PowerPoint using the UbiTimer add-in.
❗ Why PowerPoint Cannot Run a Timer Across Slides (Built-In Limitations)
Teachers often try these methods:
1. Animation-based timers
Using “Appear” or “Disappear” animations for each second.
➡ Works only on a single slide
➡ Resets as soon as you click to the next slide
➡ Hard to edit
➡ Not ideal for classroom use
2. Video timers embedded into a slide
A video file that counts down.
➡ Does NOT continue playing when changing slides
➡ Cannot pause or reset
➡ Not interactive
➡ Doesn’t suit a multi-slide lesson
3. Embedding an online timer (iframe)
For example, an online countdown website.
➡ Internet required
➡ Often blocked in schools
➡ Cannot run across slides
➡ Distracting ads
⭐ What Is a “Global Timer” PowerPoint?
A Global Timer PowerPoint is a countdown or stopwatch that:
appears on every slide
keeps running even as you move around the presentation
does not reset
supports pause, resume, and reset
stays in the same position across slides
helps teachers maintain lesson pace
This is extremely useful during:
silent work periods
revision lessons
behaviour routines
starters and plenaries
practical tasks
group activities
assemblies and events
inspections or observations (timed segments)
PowerPoint alone cannot produce a proper, accurate, real-time radial timer suitable for teaching. Using a Global Timer PowerPoint setup ensures your countdown stays consistent across every slide
Teachers who want a professional circular countdown typically use an add-in like UbiTimer, because it generates a radial timer automatically.
⭐ The Easiest Way to Create a Global Timer PowerPoint
(Teacher-friendly method — UbiTimer)
PowerPoint doesn’t support global timers natively, but the UbiTimer PowerPoint add-in gives teachers a simple, reliable way to create one.
Here’s how it works.
🎯 How to Make a Global Timer Using UbiTimer
1. Open the UbiTimer add-in
Inside PowerPoint → go to Home → UbiTimer.
2. Choose your timer duration
Example: 10 minutes for a revision session.
3. Turn on “Use the same timer across all slides”
This activates Global Timer Mode.
The timer becomes consistent across slides.
4. Add the timer once
Place it in the corner or at the top where it won’t block your content.
5. Start the slideshow
The timer now keeps ticking no matter which slide you move to.
⭐ Features teachers love:
Works in every classroom (Windows, Mac, Office 365 online)
Timer stays synchronised across all slides
Can be resized or styled (fonts + colours)
Supports dark mode and bright classrooms
Perfect visibility at the back of the room
No technical setup required
🏫 Classroom Examples: How Teachers Use Global Timer PowerPoint
1. Silent Starter (5–10 minutes)
While students begin work, you move through slides with instructions or examples — the timer continues uninterrupted.
2. Group Work (3–10 minutes)
Students see how long they have left while you walk around supporting groups.
3. KS3/KS4 Revision Sessions
Set a 20-minute practice timer that stays visible while you move through model answers, scaffolding, and tasks.
4. GCSE Exam Practice
During timed past paper attempts, students benefit from a clear, consistent countdown.
5. Assemblies and Events
Staff see exactly how long is left — essential for keeping big events running smoothly.
👉 DfE Behaviour Microsoft Education
Guidance Microsoft PowerPoint Support
🔧 Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions
❌ The timer restarts when I move slides
✔ Ensure Global Timer PowerPoint Mode is enabled
✔ Add the timer only once (not on every slide)
❌ The timer doesn’t appear on some slides
✔ It may be behind a shape — bring to front
✔ Make sure the slide isn’t using a very different layout
✔ Use “Apply to All Slides” for placement consistency
❌ The timer doesn’t auto-start
✔ Enable Auto-Start Timer
✔ Check count-up vs count-down mode
✔ Ensure the slide doesn’t have conflicting animations
❌ The timer is too small for students at the back
✔ Increase font size to 90–120pt
✔ Choose high-contrast colours
✔ Consider radial mode for better visibility
❓ FAQ: Global Timer PowerPoint
Can PowerPoint run a timer across slides?
Not natively. It resets when changing slides. A global timer requires an add-in like UbiTimer.
Can I pause or reset the timer?
Yes — UbiTimer supports pause, resume, and manual restarts.
Can students still see the timer if I switch slides quickly?
Yes — that’s the purpose of Global Timer Mode.
Does it work in PowerPoint Online (Office 365)?
Yes, UbiTimer works cross-platform.
Is it suitable for assemblies?
Absolutely. Many schools use global timers for assemblies and events.
🎓 Conclusion
A Global Timer makes lessons smoother, more organised, and more predictable for students.
Whether you’re timing starters, group activities, revision tasks, or school assemblies, having a countdown that continues across all slides gives your lesson structure and clarity.
Since PowerPoint doesn’t support global timers by default, UbiTimer offers the easiest and most reliable way for teachers to add one in seconds.