How to Make a GIF in Photoshop CS2

Aside from being readable by web browsers, a GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) file offers background transparency, interlacing (a low-resolution preview appears while the image downloads) and image mapping (parts of the image can be clicked to link to different pages). Photoshop can easily turn any image into a GIF. Note that these procedures apply specifically to the Windows XP operating system, though in general, they are useful to all operating systems.

Instructions

1. 

   Open the image file that you want to turn into a GIF. The picture appears in a new document window.

2. 

   Double-click the background layer in the "Layers" palette to turn it into a new layer. The "New Layer" dialog box appears.

3. 

   Enter a name for the new layer and then click the "OK" button. The named layer appears in the "Layers" palette.

4. 

   Make a transparent background by using the "Magic Wand" and "Marquee" tools to select the background of the image. Then press the "Delete" key to delete the background. A checkerboard pattern appears to show which parts of the GIF are transparent.

5. Choose the "Save As" option from the "File" menu. (By saving the changed version under a different name, you can return to the original if needed.) The "Save As" dialog box appears.

6. Choose "Compuserve GIF (*.GIF)" from the "Format" drop-down. Type in a name for the new file and click the "Save" button. The "Indexed Colors" dialog box appears.

7. Make sure the "Transparency" checkbox is enabled. Otherwise, leave all the options at their default settings. Click the "OK" button. The "GIF Options" dialog box appears.

8. Choose the "Interlaced" option under "Row Order." Click the "OK" button. The GIF file is saved.

9. Use this file on any web page to take advantage of its transparency and interlaced features. You can also create image maps on it using a web creation program.

References

• Saving GIF Files