A presentation timer that floats on top of your slides.
SlideTimerApp is a free, transparent countdown that sits above your live PowerPoint, Google Slides or Canva — so you always know how long is left, without leaving your deck.
~3 MB · portable .exe · no sign-up to tryIn short: the easiest way to put a timer on a PowerPoint presentation is to use an overlay timer. Instead of inserting a GIF or video into a slide, you run a small transparent timer window on top of your slideshow. It keeps counting down in full-screen Slide Show mode, you can drag it anywhere, resize it, and reuse the exact same timer for every deck — and for Google Slides and Canva too.
Overlay timer vs. embedded GIF vs. PowerPoint add-in
Most guides tell you to embed a timer GIF or install an add-in. Here is why a floating overlay is the more reliable method for live presenting:
| What you want | Overlay timer (SlideTimerApp) | Embedded GIF / video | PowerPoint add-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runs in full Slide Show mode | Yes | Yes | Often only in edit mode |
| Move / resize during the talk | Yes | No | No |
| Set any custom duration on the fly | Yes | Fixed per GIF | Yes |
| Reuse the same timer on every deck | Yes | Re-insert each time | Per-file |
| Works in Google Slides & Canva | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pause / reset mid-presentation | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Works offline, no account | Yes | Yes | Varies |
What makes SlideTimerApp different
Transparent overlay
A frameless, see-through window. Only the numbers show — your slides stay fully visible behind it.
Always on top
Pin it and it stays above PowerPoint Slide Show, Google Slides, Canva or any screen-shared app.
Any duration
Type minutes and seconds or tap a quick preset (1, 5, 10, 15 min). Pause, reset, replay anytime.
Runs red, then rings
The number slowly turns red as time runs low, then flashes and plays an alarm when it hits zero.
Drag & resize
Drag it anywhere on screen and drag a corner to resize — the digits scale to fit.
Free & portable
~3 MB, no installation, works offline. Copy the .exe to any Windows PC and run.
How to add a timer to PowerPoint in 3 steps
- Download & open SlideTimerApp. Run the portable app — a transparent timer window appears.
- Set your time and pin it on top. Enter minutes/seconds (or pick a preset) and click the pin so it stays above everything.
- Start your PowerPoint Slide Show. Press F5 to present — the timer floats on top and counts down. Drag it to the corner you like.
Works with every presentation tool
Because SlideTimerApp is an overlay, it doesn't care what's behind it. Use one timer for:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Floats on top of Slide Show / Presenter View. Guide →
Google Slides
No add-on needed — overlay it on the present view. Guide →
Canva, Keynote, PDF
Any full-screen presentation or document works the same way.
Zoom · Meet · Teams
Share your screen — attendees see the timer on top of your deck.
Who uses SlideTimerApp
If you need to keep something on time in front of an audience, an overlay timer helps. SlideTimerApp is built for:
Speakers & trainers
Stay on time in conference talks, pitches, webinars and workshops — and leave room for Q&A. See the presentation timer guide.
Teachers
A big, visible classroom countdown for activities, tests and transitions, with an alarm. See classroom timers.
Meeting hosts
Time-box agenda items and breaks in Zoom, Meet or Teams by sharing your screen with the timer on top.
Students
Run timed practice, debates and exam-style drills over any slide deck or document.
Guides & timers
How to add a timer to PowerPoint
Two methods compared: overlay vs. embedding, with exact steps.
Countdown timer for PowerPoint
Ready-to-use 1–60 minute countdowns for any deck.
Presentation & speech timer
Keep talks, pitches and webinars on time with recommended durations.
Classroom & teacher timers
A big, visible countdown for activities, tests and transitions.
Timer for Google Slides
Add a countdown to Google Slides without any extension.
Timer for Canva
Show a live countdown on top of Canva Present mode.
Do you need an add-in?
Why an overlay beats most PowerPoint timer add-ins.
Overlay vs GIF vs add-in
The best way to add a timer to PowerPoint, compared.
Download SlideTimerApp — free
The free Windows timer overlay for PowerPoint, Google Slides and Canva. Portable, ~3 MB, works offline.
Go to free download No installation · Windows 10 & 11Frequently asked questions
How do I add a timer to a PowerPoint presentation?
Use an overlay timer like SlideTimerApp. Open your slideshow as usual, then float the transparent timer window on top and pin it. It keeps running in Slide Show mode and works the same in Google Slides or Canva — unlike inserting a GIF or video into a slide, which can't be moved and breaks across decks.
Is SlideTimerApp free?
Yes. SlideTimerApp is a free download for Windows. It's a portable app (~3 MB) that needs no installation and works offline.
Does the timer stay visible in full-screen Slide Show?
Yes. Because it's a separate always-on-top window rather than an object inside a slide, it stays on top of PowerPoint even in full-screen Slide Show mode.
Can I use the same timer for Google Slides and Canva?
Yes. The timer floats on top of any app, so one timer works for PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, Keynote, PDF and screen shares in Zoom, Meet or Teams.
Can I set a 5, 10 or 15-minute countdown?
Yes. Type any minutes and seconds or tap a quick preset. See countdown timer presets.