Before I show you how to make a Gif you’ll need to have a bit of understanding of what a GIF actually is. A GIF file is essentially just an image file. Like the JPEG or PNG file formats, the GIF format can be used to make still images. But the GIF format has a special feature—it can also be used to create animated images. The animation is essentially a series of images shown one after the other with a short delay.
GIFs are gaining popularity because, like memes, they’re useful for communicating jokes, emotions, and ideas without the need for a video which the user needs to press play to enjoy.
In this article, we will show you two different methods that outline how to make Gif files. The first method involves using a free image editing program and in the second method, we will use an online tool to create your GIF.
Create a GIF using GIMP
In this tutorial we are going to show you an easy way of creating an animated GIF file, using any pictures you want, and a free application called GIMP. GIMP is a free image editing app, available for anyone to download and use. You can download it from its official webpage.
The first thing you should do is select the pictures that you want to use for creating the animated GIF file.
Now open GIMP. On your desktop, you should see a window similar to the one below.
In the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) window, open the File menu and select Open. Alternatively, you can simultaneously press the Ctrl + O keys on your keyboard, for the same effect.
This action launches the Open Image dialog. Browse to the folder where you stored your pictures. Then, select the first image that you want to use for the animated GIF.
In our case, that would be picture 1.png from our GIF Project folder. After you select the first picture, click or tap Open.
Next, you have to add all the other pictures that are going to be a part of your animated GIF file. To do that, open the File menu and click or tap on Open as Layers.
Browse to the folder where you stored the pictures and open the second picture you want to use for the animated GIF file.
NOTE: If you have more pictures to add to the GIF file, repeat the last step: open the File menu, click or tap Open as Layers and select the next picture in your sequence.
When all the pictures are added, to get a preview of how your animated GIF file is going to look, open the Filters menu, go to Animation, and click or tap Playback.
To end the preview, close the Animation Playback window.
To finish creating your animated GIF file, save it. Open the File menu again, and click or tap Export As…
In the Export Image window, select the location where you want to save your GIF file, type a name for it and (very important) make sure you specify the GIF extension at its end. Then, click or tap Export.
GIMP now opens a new dialogue, called Export Image as GIF. The only essential thing to do here is to make sure you check the option called As animation. Another useful thing to set here is the delay used between the frames of your animation. When you have chosen all the settings that you want, click or tap Export.
Depending on how many pictures you used and their sizes, you might have to wait for a couple of moments for GIMP to save your animated GIF. The GIF file is now saved and ready to use wherever you want to.
Create a GIF using GIPHY’s GIF Maker
GIPHY, the company with the world’s largest library of animated GIFs, now offers a GIF Maker that is free and so much fun to use. GIF Maker allows you to create animated GIFs from video files, YouTube links, existing GIFs, and even still photos.
Here’s How It Works:
Drag and drop a video file, or enter a video URL from YouTube, Vimeo, or another GIPHY page. You can also upload a series of photos to create an animated photo slideshow.
Once you’ve uploaded your file, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can begin editing your GIF.
Next, trim your video to a duration of about 2-6 seconds. This will ensure that your file size is small enough to load quickly on social media and blogging platforms.
If you’d like, you can add a caption, stickers, or drawings to your GIF. Once you’re happy with your GIF, upload it, and add a couple of tags to make it easier for other people to find.
And that’s it! You’ve made your GIF! You can now save it and upload it to your website or blog.
