Photoshop

Photoshop Tutorial: Create an animated GIF

B.A.W. Kemp

Jan 30, 2024 — 1 min read

Animated GIFs are a fun and engaging way to convey information or create eye-catching visuals. Photoshop provides a built-in tool for creating GIF animations, allowing you to combine multiple images into a looping sequence.

Creating an Animated GIF in Photoshop

Prepare Your Images: Gather the images you want to include in your GIF, ensuring they are all of the same dimensions and file format (e.g., PNG, JPEG).
Open Photoshop: Launch Photoshop and create a new document with the same dimensions as your source images.
Import Images: Place each of your source images onto the new document, arranging them in the desired order for the animation.
Create a Video Timeline: Go to the Timeline panel and click the “Create Video Timeline” icon. This will convert your layers into a video timeline.
Set Frame Duration: Click on each layer in the timeline to adjust the individual frame duration. This determines how long each image is displayed in the animation.
Add Transitions: If desired, you can add transitions between frames to create smooth transitions in the animation. Click on the “Add Transition” button in the timeline and choose the desired transition effect.
Set Repeat Mode: Click on the “Looping Options” button in the timeline and choose the desired looping mode. “Forever” will loop the animation indefinitely, while “Once” will play the animation once and then stop.
Save as GIF: Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). Choose GIF as the file format and adjust the settings as desired. Click “Save” to export your animated GIF.

Tips for Creating Animated GIFs

Optimize File Size: To reduce file size and improve GIF performance, use a smaller number of colors, reduce the frame delay, and use an appropriate compression level.
Preview Animation: Use the Preview option in the Timeline panel to test your animation and make adjustments as needed.
Optimize for Specific Use: Consider the intended use of your GIF when adjusting settings. For example, a GIF for web use might prioritize smaller file size, while a GIF for social media might prioritize higher quality.

By following these steps and tips, you can create engaging and eye-catching animated GIFs in Photoshop.

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