How to Animate Clip Art for WebPages
Clip art that incorporates animation is usually referred to as an animated GIF. Animated images are available from most of the same resources that offer static clip art. It is relatively easy to create your own animated clip art using Adobe's Photoshop and ImageReady programs.
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Instructions
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Create Animated Clip Art in Photoshop and ImageReady
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1
Select the clip art graphic you would like to animate for your webpages. The simpler the image, the easier it will be to animate. If you are beginner, it is best to start out with a less complex symbol or drawing to practice with before moving on to more adventurous graphics.
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2
Open the clip art image file in Photoshop. Because you will be using this animated clip art file for the Web, make sure the resolution is set to 72 dots per inch.
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3
Set the resolution by clicking on "Image" in the top menu bar of Photoshop, selecting "Image Size" and typing "72" in the "Resolution" field.
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4
Click on "Windows" in the top menu bar, and select "Layers" to open the "Layers" palette. Right-click with your mouse on the layer that is visible in the "Layers" window, and select "Duplicate Layer." Each layer you create should be thought of as a frame in your animation.
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5
Use the drawing tools, such as the paintbrush and pencil tools, to draw on the new layer you have created. You can also use the eraser tool to remove certain parts of your image. Be creative with the ways you distort the original image in your first layer, as it will make your animated clip art more interesting.
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Utilize the "File" menu in the top menu bar to select "Edit in ImageReady," which will open your image and its layers in ImageReady.
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Click on the "Window" menu at the top of the screen in ImageReady, and choose "Show Animation." This will open up the "Animation" palette.
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Right-click on the "Animation" palette, and click on "Make Frames from Layers" to animate your clip art.
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Save the file as a "GIF" by choosing "Save Optimized As" from the "File" menu.
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Tips & Warnings
Visitors to your webpages who have slow Internet connections may have a difficult time viewing your animated clip art, as these image files typically take longer to load.
Don't overuse animated clip art in your webpages, as some visitors may find it distracting or irritating.
