GIFS are kinda the new kid on the block.
Have you ever seen those images that
loop without end? That my friend is a GIF.
Unlike a video, a GIF (graphics interchange format) is an animated image on repeat. Whether the GIF features a short scene from video content (i.e. Kermit sipping Lipton iced tea which happens to be the BEST TEA on the planet) or a series of images strung together to create a soundless short video graphic. I'm going to show YOU how to create a still-image GIF right in the comfort of PHOTOSHOP in 8 easy-to-follow steps.
The real question is how to pronounce it...
Is it GIF or JIF - Like JIF peanut butter?
I'm with the lesser crowd & proudly go with JIF.
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step 1
Open the images you'd like to use.
Keep it simple! Try 1-4 images that pair well.
TIP: Make every photo the SAME
EXACT SIZE for easy alignment.
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step 2
Under Window,
click on "TIMELINE".
This will open the timeline layer
needed to create your GIF.
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step 3
Under "File" select "Scripts"
then "Load Files into Stack"
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step 4
In the pop-up window, click on "Browse"
to open the images needed for your GIF.
Once they're uploaded, click "OK".
TIP: If the images are taken of the same scene
with repeated shots (i.e. couple walking, water) select
"Attempt to Automatically Align Source Images".
This will better align the images &
keep them in unison during playback.
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step 5
Once your images have uploaded, select
"Create Frame Animation" in the Timeline.
Click on the top right icon bar & select
"Make Frames from Layers"
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step 6
In the bottom left corner, put the GIF on
"FOREVER" so it will be a constant loop.
Select the time for each frame. Don't forget
to PLAY the GIF & make any changes.
TIP: You can easily change the order of the images in
the Timeline by simply "clicking & dragging" the layers.
Zoom in to see!
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step 7
Once you're happy with your GIF, select
"File" >> "Export" >> "Save for Web".
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step 8
The last step is the most important!
Select "GIF 128 Dithered" under PRESET.
Then select "256" under COLORS.
Lastly, select "90%" under DITHER.
Click on SAVE to add the GIF to your files.
TIP: For GIFS, 128 Dithered is the highest you want
to go including 256 in Color. This works for graphics
& photos. When selecting 256 Color, the Preset will
go blank - it's normal! Color & Preset will be
exactly what you selected after saving the GIF.
Dither is a bit tricky. For images, 90% works great.
For graphics (illustrations or fonts), 93% works great.
For images & graphics together, 93% works great.
& tada!
You now have your very own GIF!!
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The great thing about making GIFS
is being creative & making it your own.
There are SO many different ways you
can create GIFS that you can use for
your website, blog, or social media.
**see below!**
This tutorial is based on my personal
experience & research. GIF creation in
Photoshop is really just the beginning!
