How to Create an Animation of a Saved GIF File

Use your GIF files to create an animation.

As you work with digital images, consider saving them in the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) file format--one of the most commonly used types for displaying images on the Internet. In addition, with your GIF pictures, you have the option to combine these images into an animation so that the photos automatically appear, one right after the other. This way, you present an interesting slide show effect for your viewers. Using the online resource of your choice, create your own animation out of your saved GIF files.

Instructions

Use Gickr

1. Launch the Gickr website (see Resources).

2. Click the "Browse" button next to each text field to select your GIF files. If you want to add more than three images to your animation, click the "Add one more picture" link to select up to 10 files.

3. Click the "Size" and "Speed" drop-down menus to choose your animation's width measurement and determine how fast the pictures rotate. Click the "Continue" button when ready.

4. View the animation that appears on the page. Click the back button on your browser if you want to adjust the design.

5. Click the "Download" link to deliver your design to your computer. Otherwise, copy the code that displays in the text field, or click a button, such as "MySpace" or "Twitter," to automatically load the animation to that Internet location.

Use GifNinja

1. Bring up the GifNinja site (see Resources).

2. Click the "Browse" button on each line to select up to five GIF files from your computer.

3. Use the sliding menu to determine the speed of your GIF animation. A preview showing the chosen speed displays below the slider.

4. Click the "Make My GIF" button at the bottom of the page. If you like the animation, click the "Yes - It's Fantastic" link to continue; otherwise, click the "No - It's Too Slow/Fast" or "No - Let Me Start Over" link to edit your design.

5. Follow the prompts to specify whether your animation may be rated and then enter the requested information. Click the "Save GIF" button when done and then copy the code that displays in the text box to share this design on the Web. Note that each text box is labeled according to its intended destination (for example, "Code for forums").

Use MakeAGif

1. Access the MakeAGif website (see Resources).

2. Click the "Choose File" button on line number one and select your GIF file from the dialog window that appears. Repeat this process on line number two. You have the option to choose other picture files, but be sure to add them in the order that you want them to appear so that the animation generates correctly.

3. Click the radio buttons under the "Basic GIF Options" section to specify the behavior of your animation. For example, click "Yes" next to the "Loop GIF Animation" option to have your feature play more than once. Continue to click through the remaining choices as preferred.

4. Click the "Create GIF" button. A preview of your animated GIF appears in the window.

5. Copy the code that appears in the "Image & Link for Websites/Blogs" text field. Paste this in an online area where you want your animation to display.

References

• Indiana University: What Is the GIF Graphics File Format?

Resources

• Gickr: Create Free GIF Animations Online
• GifNinja: Create a GIF From Existing Files
• MakeAGif: Online Animated GIF Maker