How to Create an Animation Overflow Container in Storyline

In this blog, I'll show you a simple but effective trick to create an animation overflow container in Articulate Storyline. While Storyline doesn't have a feature called "overflow container," you can use the scrolling panel as a workaround to achieve the same effect. This approach keeps your animations neatly contained within a specific area without spilling over, giving your slides a polished, professional look.

What Is an Overflow Container?

An overflow container is a tool that keeps animations or content within a confined area, preventing them from exceeding the boundaries. In Storyline, the scrolling panel, typically used for scrolling content, can also act as a container for animations. By doing this, you can create effects like a phone screen or laptop display, where content moves smoothly within a defined space.

How to Create an Overflow Container in Storyline

Design Your Slide

Start by creating your slide as usual, adding the images, text, or icons you want to animate. This could be elements like a phone screen, menu, or any other content you want to control.

Add Animations

Apply animations such as "fly in," "spin," or "swivel" to your elements. Ensure these animations extend beyond the area where you want the final effect to occur.

Insert a Scrolling Panel

Here’s the trick! Instead of using the scrolling panel for scrolling text or images, use it to restrict the space where your animations appear. Place the scrolling panel over the specific area, adjusting its size to match the area you want the animation to be contained within.

Move Your Animated Elements Inside the Panel

Once you have the scrolling panel in place, move your animated objects inside it. This step is key — anything that moves outside the scrolling panel won’t be visible.

Preview and Fine-tune

After placing your objects in the scrolling panel, preview the slide. Your animation should now be limited to the area within the scrolling panel, creating a clean, focused animation effect.

Practical Use Cases

This technique is especially useful in scenarios like:

• Phone or Laptop Screens: Make it look like content is moving within a device screen.

• Interactive Menus: Contain animated menu items within a navigation panel.

• Carousels: Create smooth, flowing animations that stay within a specific frame, giving your learners a sleek experience.

Are You More of a Visual Learner?

Final Thoughts

Using the scrolling panel as an overflow container in Storyline is a great way to add finesse to your animations without needing advanced tools. It’s a straightforward approach that transforms how you can display animations in a confined space, improving the visual presentation and user experience. Try this simple technique in your next project to make your animations more professional and seamless.