Have you ever wonderedHow to make a GIF in Photoshop? You are in the right place, because in this article we will explain how to achieve it in the best possible way.
A GIF is an icon of current POP culture, it is also an essential part of virtual communication.
How to make a GIF in Photoshop?
If you've ever wonderedHow to make a GIF in Photoshop? Today is your lucky day, because along these lines we will teach you how to do it correctly, using two different methods.
However, before showing you what is the best way to answer your question about how to make a GIF in Photoshop, you need to clarify some related basics. In this way, next, we will establish the following:
Related basics
Undoubtedly, among the main concepts that we must handle to achieve a full understanding of the subject that concerns us today, are:
GIF
GIF, an acronym for Graphics Interchange Formats, is a widely used image format in the world of the web. In this regard, its use is common both in the creation of images and in the realization of animations.
On the other hand, GIF is a format that reaches a maximum of 256 colors, without losing its quality, even when it has a limited color palette. However, it is important to note that the quality of the image is lower, if we compare it with other formats, such as: PNG.
Additionally, as a curious fact we can mention that the GIF format was in disuse, due to the appearance of the powerful Flash program in the 2000s. However, it has resurfaced in recent times as a result of the incorporation of new functionalities, and its consequent social acceptance.
In this regard, the term GIF has been recognized worldwide as an icon within the expression of POP culture. In addition, today it constitutes an essential complement within virtual communication.
I invite you to watch the following video, in which you will find a way to create your own GIF.
Photoshop
Photoshop is a program specialized in graphic design, which offers us a wide range of opportunities related to the creation and editing of images in general. In this regard, although it is quite complex, if we follow the basic instructions, we can use it comfortably.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that Photoshop is considered, today, as one of the best and largest design tools in the world. In fact, it is used frequently not only by specialized graphic designers, but also more and more amateurs dare to enter this wonderful world of colors.
Finally, we have that Photoshop allows the creation of images in various formats, among which stand out: JPEG, PNG and GIF. In this regard, the program is capable of generating these resources automatically when we add the extension of the image and it is compatible with the name of one or more layers of a PSD file.
On this last aspect, we have that GIF type resources are generated with basic alpha transparency. However, the program does not allow you to adjust the quality parameters of this type of images.
Finally, if you are interested in knowing a little more about this incredible design tool, I invite you to read our article called: ¿¿How to improve the quality of an image in Photoshop?.
How to make a GIF in Photoshop using timeline animation?
First of all, to learn how to make a GIF in Photoshop Through the timeline, we must access the creation of timeline animations that the program offers us. Subsequently, we must follow these simple indications:
Create a new document
The first step we must take is to create a new document, specifying the size and content of the background. In this regard, it is important that we verify that the established color mode is RGB, and that the resolution is maintained at 72 pixels per inch, with a depth of 8 bits per channel; also, the pixel ratio must be square.
Define the duration and frequency of the image
It is necessary to point out that this type of process is based on the specifications corresponding to the duration and frequency of the image. To obtain this process we must go to the option Timeline settings in the document or, failing that, to Define image frequency of the timeline, depending on the version of Photoshop with which we are working.
Generally speaking, within the Photoshop animation process, setting the duration and frequency of an image refers to finding a particular effect. In this regard, when we set these specifications, our intention is to give the impression that the image is moving.
So, to achieve the desired effect, the first thing to do is go to the Animation or Timeline panel, as the case may be. Next, we use the controls corresponding to the duration and frequency of the image.
Add a new layer
The option that is presented to us in this part of the procedure is to achieve the edition of certain aspects related to the layers that make up our image. In this way, when we add a new layer, we can add content, modify or clone the existing one, as well as it is also possible to make animations by hand.
In this regard, whatever alternative we choose, we obtain the same effect if we choose to convert the background layer into a normal layer. Also, it works for both images and videos.
Add the content to the new layer
After taking any of the previous actions, the next step is to add the respective content to the new layer. Next, we move the current time indicator to the time or frame where we want to establish the first main image of the animation.
Activate main images
Next, we need to activate the main images for a layer property. To do this, we are located next to the name of the layer and we click on the triangle that we find right there.
At this point, a menu is displayed from where we must select the Stopwatch option and click on it. In this regard, it is important to note that we can establish main images for several layer properties simultaneously.
Move the current-time indicator and change a layer property
The next step is to move the current time indicator to the time or box where we will modify the layer property. To do this, depending on our objective, we can choose any of these alternatives: Change the position of the layer, change the opacity of the layer, change the position of a layer mask or activate / deactivate a layer mask.
Add additional layers with content and define their layer properties
Additionally, in most cases, it is also possible to change the color of an object or modify the total content of a box. If we are in one of those cases, what we have to do is add additional layers with the new content and make the respective changes.
Determine when a layer appears
At this point, we must move or trim the bar corresponding to the duration of the layer, this in order to establish the moment in which it appears in a video or animation. Similarly, this is the ideal time to define the portion of the timeline that we want to preview.
Preview the image
Once we have fully complied with each of the previous phases, we are able to preview the image that we are just creating. To do this, the first thing we must do is play the animation, using the controls of the Animation or Timeline panel, depending on the version of the program with which we are working.
Next, we can preview the animation from a Web browser, or we can also choose to use the Save option for Web and devices. In this regard, in some versions of Photoshop this option is simply called Save for Web.
Save animation
The last step and one of the most important of all is undoubtedly saving the animation as an animated GIF. To do this, we can choose the Save for Web and Devices command in one version of Photoshop, or in the Timeline panel in some other versions of the program.
In this way, we have concluded with the teaching about ¿How to make a GIF in Photoshop? Through the timeline. However, there is a second method, which we will show you below.
How to make a GIF in Photoshop using frame animation?
A second way to learn how to make a GIF in Photoshop is using frame animation. In this regard, it is important to clarify that the procedure is quite similar to the one we have just carried out, so we will not dwell on the details that we have already explained in the previous section.
Open a new document
As we saw in the previous method, the first step we must take is to open a new document. To do this, we must open the panels corresponding to Layers and Animation or Timeline, depending on the version of the program, making sure that the frame animation mode is active.
Add a new layer
At this point it is valid to convert the background layer into a normal layer that supports animation. Or it is also possible to create a new layer where we can add content in subsequent steps.
Add content to animation
As happens when we add content under the timeline animation model, in this case what we want is to create new content or alter the existing one. In this way, it is possible that in this step we can independently add more than one animated object at the same time; In addition, we can also create objects on separate layers, which is useful when we want to modify all the content of the box.
Add a frame
Regardless of whether we are working from the Animation panel or from the Timeline, the next step is to add additional frames to the animation.
Edit box layers
At this point, the first thing we must do is previously select the frame with which we want to work. In such a way that later we can choose one of these editing alternatives: Activate / deactivate the visibility for different layers, change the position of the objects, add a style to the layers, among others.
In this regard, if necessary, we can add more frames and edit their layers. In this way, we can create new frames with intermediate changes through the Collate command.
Set the repeat and frame delay
This step refers to the establishment of the type of execution that we want the animation to have. That is, we can define if we want it to be executed one or more times, or if, on the contrary, it will do so continuously.
Preview animation
The intention of this step is to access the image preview through a web browser. To do this, we must make use of the controls in the Animation or Timeline panels, as the case may be.
Save animation
The last step in our procedure is to save the animation. To do this, we must use the Save for Web or Devices or Save for Web commands, depending on the version of our program.
In this way we have reached the end of our article, which we hope has been very useful to you. In any case, if you have any questions, you always have the option of consulting the Photoshop user manual, which you can download from the application's official page.