Progress bars are a simple yet powerful way to improve the learner experience. They show how much content is left and help learners manage their time. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to make a progress bar in Storyline, with a focus on using timed progress bars that sync with slide timelines.

Why Add a Timed Progress Bar in Articulate Storyline?

Adding a timed progress bar in Articulate Storyline helps make your eLearning course feel more interactive. Learners can visually track how much time is left on a slide, which keeps them focused and reduces drop-offs. In fact, many instructional designers have noticed improved completion rates just by adding a progress bar in Articulate Storyline.

How to Make a Progress Bar in Storyline: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Shape for the Progress Bar

Start by inserting a rectangle shape. This will be your progress bar. Place it at the bottom of your slide. Use a bold color so it stands out.

2. Use Motion Path Animation

Set up a motion path animation for the rectangle. Match the duration of the motion path to the timeline of the slide. This creates a visual bar that moves along with the slide time.

3. Sync with Timeline

Go to the timeline panel and ensure the motion path ends exactly when the slide ends. This is what creates the timed progress bar effect.

4. Repeat for Multiple Slides

To reuse the same style on other slides, copy and paste the shape and animation. Adjust the length of the motion path to fit each slide’s duration.

5. Test and Preview

Before publishing, preview the course to ensure the Articulate Storyline progress bar works smoothly. If needed, fine-tune the motion path or timeline settings.

Tips to Improve Progress Bar Visibility

• Use contrasting colors for the background and bar.
• Keep the size consistent across slides.
• Add a subtle animation effect for smoother transitions.

Answering Common Challenges

Many designers ask if they need to use variables or triggers. For basic progress bars in Articulate Storyline, that’s not necessary. However, for more advanced control, like showing different progress states or syncing across scenes, variables and states can offer more flexibility.

Want to explore more examples? Check out these Articulate Storyline progress bar examples from the official Articulate community.

Create Better Learning Flow with Progress Bars

Adding timed progress bars in Articulate Storyline isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a smart way to guide your learners. It shows attention to detail, improves course usability, and keeps users engaged.

Looking for help with creating progress bars, course design, or full-scale eLearning modules? Contact Red Chip Solutions — we help companies build smarter training with Articulate Storyline.