A Keynote motion path can help an audience follow a delivery route, a signal or a step moving through a process. Use it when the route adds meaning to a business presentation. If a static arrow explains the process clearly, animation is optional.

This guide covers one moving marker within a slide in Keynote on Mac. Work on a copy of the presentation, and keep the surrounding diagram stationary while arranging the movement.

Create the route

1. Select the marker. In the Animate sidebar, open Action, choose Add an Effect, then Move.
2. Drag the solid object to the starting position and its transparent copy to the destination. If the copy is missing, select the object and click its red diamond.
3. Drag the white points on the path to bend it around the diagram's labels or obstacles.
4. Adjust duration and acceleration in the Action controls, then use Preview. Enable Align to path only if the object should turn as it follows the curve.

Keep the explanation readable

Check the marker at the start, tightest bend and destination. The whole symbol must clear important labels; a clear centreline is not enough for a large object. If a text label rotates until it is difficult to read, leave its orientation fixed instead of aligning it to the path.

Play the slide with the sentence that explains the movement. Set the timing so the audience can understand where it starts and finishes. If the action obscures information, adjust the route or layout rather than speeding it up to conceal the overlap.

Check again after changing the diagram. If you deliver an exported presentation or recording, review that actual output before the meeting. Keep an editable original so changes to the real process can be reflected in the route.

Source: Apple: Keynote action builds and motion paths.