How to make gif animation - service overview

GIF images make text more lively and dynamic. With the help of gifs, you can clearly illustrate the instructions or simply supplement the structure of the article, thereby increasing its readability and, in general, increasing the audience's interest in what is written.

GIF can convey much more information than regular jpg. Video GIFs benefit from their relatively light weight. To make a gif animation, you can use one of the special services.

10 tools for creating gif files

Adobe Photoshop

A well-known graphics program is great for creating GIFs. To make an animated picture in Photoshop, you need to follow these steps.

1. Create a new project.
2. Add layers - through the top menu or through the icon at the bottom right.
3. Upload an image for each layer. Adjusting the dimensions.
4. Open the Timeline panel via the Window menu.
5. Go to editing through the appropriate section. Set the display time for each image.
6. Save the finished GIF file using the “Save for WEB” item in the main menu.

Pros:

• photoshop is an offline tool that does not require an internet connection;
• flexible transition settings between images;
• Extensive options for editing source files.

Cons:

• high price;
• to create beautiful animation you need basic programming skills;
• You can't make a gif from a video file.

Ezgif

A simple and free online tool for generating gif images. You can make a GIF from a photo or video. In the first case:

1. Go to the “GIF Maker” section.

2. Upload the required files.

3. Set the primary parameters - display time, transitions, looping.
4. Click on the “Make a GIF!” button
5. Save the file through the icon on the right.

Pros:

• the ability to generate gif from files of different formats;
• built-in function for applying effects;
• available option for compressing the final image;
• The service is completely free.

Cons:

• site in English;
• Internet connection required.

Gift

A service where you can find many ready-made files and templates for generating your own GIF. Here is a general instruction on how to make an animation from a gif photo.

1. Register on the site.

2. Upload images through your personal account.

3. Applying effects, attaching stickers.

4. Click “Continue to Upload” to upload the result of the work to the service.
5. If necessary, specify a link to the original image. We set the privacy settings.
6. Downloading the finished image.

Pros:

• large library of stickers and effects;
• the ability to immediately share the finished image on social networks or get a code to embed it on the site;
• the presence of a media library where you can see the work of other users.

Cons:

• registration required;
• The settings for transitions between images are limited.

Gifovina

A simple service with a minimal set of features. Completely in Russian. To create a GIF:

1. Uploading a photo from a computer.

2. Setting the size and transitions.

3. Check the result by clicking the “Finish” button. If everything suits - save.

Pros:

• simplicity and speed of image creation;
• The service is completely free.

Cons:

• limited settings;
• There is no possibility to work with video.

Imgflip

On this site, you can make gif animations, memes and diagrams in a few simple steps. Instruction:

1. Select the desired section in the top menu.

2. Go to the desired tab and upload pictures.

3. Specify the desired settings on the right.
4. Press the Generate GIF button.
5. Download the finished file.

Pros:

• easy to create new gifs;
• convenient “fitting” the size of images;
• you can add your logo to the final work.

Cons:

• some functions are paid;
• In the free version, the service watermark remains on the GIF.

Kapwind

The site contains a huge number of tools for working with graphic, video and audio files. The gif generator is one of them. The algorithm of work is as follows:

1. Find the desired tool in the corresponding section of the menu.

2. Loading images.

3. Setting the timing, applying the desired effects

4. Save the image via the “Export Project” button.
5. Select the GIF format and click "Export as a GIF" at the top.

Pros:

• many settings for editing source images;
• the most flexible timing system;
• there are special options for adjusting the image for a social media post.

Cons:

• complicated interface for a beginner;
• lack of localization;
• limited free version.

Supa

A tool for creating marketing materials - from infographics to Youtube videos. It does not specialize in generating gif-images, but it also has such a function. Instructions for work:

1. Register in the system.
2. Create a new creative.

3. Uploading an image or video.

4. Setting up transitions.
5. Download the project as a gif-animation.

Pros:

• a large number of templates for creating various projects;
• the interface is completely in Russian.

Cons:

• You can only make a gif on a paid account.
• minimal settings for image editing.

Gifpal

A service designed specifically for generating gifs and nothing else. How to use it:

1. Click on the “Get Started” button.

2. Upload a photo from a computer by clicking on the folder image. Add filters if you wish.

3. Insert the desired images into the animation through the “+” sign.
4. Edit the transition speed in the Edit Frames menu.

5. Click on the “Build a GIF” button and then “Save” to save the animation.

Pros:

• simple interface, clear functions;
• fast loading images;
• free to use.

Cons:

• minimal image editing options;
• no additional features.

GIF Toaster

A free tool that runs exclusively on the iOS operating system. The mechanism for creating animation is simple and generally does not differ from the generation of gifs on PC tools.

Pros:

• It is convenient to use the service from a smartphone;
• clear interface without unnecessary details;
• the ability to work with images and videos.

Cons:

• The app is only available for Apple devices;
• lack of localization.

ScreenToGif

With this service, you can easily make a gif from a screen recording. How to use:

1. Download and run the program.
2. Select the recording method - screen, camera or whiteboard.

3. Define the screen capture area, click “Record”

4. After the recording is completed, click “Stop” and edit the resulting frames. The tool allows you to trim the recording to make the gif look more natural.

Pros:

• capture only part of the screen - nothing extra will be recorded;
• the ability to add text and images over captured frames;
• convenient, localized interface;
• You can record freehand drawing through the Whiteboard tool.

Cons:

• You need to download the program to your computer.

Conclusion

There are many ways to make gif animation from pictures, and they are not limited to the tools discussed in the article. Experiment and choose the best service for yourself, with which your creative and professional skills will be fully revealed.