Published: July 1, 2019
What is a GIF?
A GIF, or Graphics Interchange Format, is a type of image file that contains a series of images in order to create an animated effect. It can be used to convey thoughts and emotions through images, which is why they are so popular on social media. As a designer, it’s important to know how to create a GIF so you can use them as part of your content strategy.
Start Creating your GIF
When you’re looking to capture your audience’s attention with visuals, a still image might not cut it. Creating GIFs can be a great way to express your thought and tell a story in a more engaging way.
When it comes to GIFs, the possibilities are endless. GIFs can be used to add life to your website, make your digital ad more eye-catching or amp up your social post. With so many applications, it’s easy to get excited about creating lots of elaborate GIFs without considering how to optimize them.
How do I create a GIF?
The first step in designing a GIF is to create the images for each frame. You will want to make sure that each image is exactly the same size so that it looks seamless when played back in sequence. This means that if you want your GIF to be 30 seconds long, then your total file size should be 30 MB or less. Once all of your images are ready, you can use software such as Adobe After Effects or Photoshop to stitch them together into one long animation sequence. You may also want to add audio if desired!
For starters, the specifications for your GIF will vary depending on where you intend to use it. But this isn’t all you should consider. When designing GIFs, the number of colors you use, the flourishes you choose as well as the number of frames you’ve created can either enhance or detract from the message you are trying to convey.
So how can you make sure your GIF is impactful? Check out the video below for my favorite tips for creating GIFs!
Need a hand creating eye-catching GIFs? Fill out our contact form and let’s chat!
By Loy Vang, Senior Digital Designer
