GIF animation is needed in order to make the text – in social networks, mailing list or on the website – more dynamic. With the help of GIFs, you can increase user engagement, increase readability and click-through rate; it may even affect leads and sales.
A big plus of the format is that it is an alternative to short videos without sound, because bulky files can not be used everywhere. At the same time, the quality remains quite high.
This article is an overview of desktop programs and online services with which you can create GIF animation from pictures and videos. Each tool has pros and cons.
How to create a GIF from images
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a professional image manipulation program. But you can also create GIFs in it.
To make an animated GIF, you need:
Create a project.
Upload there all the images that will participate in the animation. Please note that each image must have its own layer.
In the “Window” menu, enable the display of the “Timeline” panel.
Create the desired animation using the “Create Video Timeline” button.
Save the animation as a GIF using the “Save for Web” menu item.
Pros:
If you know how to use Photoshop, you can create almost any GIF from images.
GIF will be without watermark.
You can create GIF without internet connection.
Minuses:
You must know the program well and be able to work in it.
The high cost of Photoshop. It makes no sense to buy if you only need it to create GIFs.
Gifovina
Gifovina is a free online service that also lets you create GIFs from images.
How to make an animated GIF:
Upload through “Add frames” all the images that will participate in the animation.
In the menu on the right, select the desired size, frame duration, animation (for example, moving from left to right).
Add, if necessary, a shape and an inscription in it.
Click the “Finish” button to complete the animation.
Pros:
Intuitive interface.
Free service.
You do not need to install the program on your computer. The service runs in a browser.
Minuses:
Few options for creating animation.
Text can only be added to a shape, such as a callout or bubble.
You can use the service only if you have an internet connection.
Gif from video
Gifs
If the video you want is uploaded to YouTube, you can create a GIF animation from it. To do this, in the address bar to the URL of the desired video, simply add “gif”.
In the window that opens, you can specify the animation time range, add captions, make a sticker, crop the edges of the video, add tags, and much more.
Pros:
You can use any available YouTube video.
Great opportunities for creativity.
You do not need to install the program on your computer. All work happens in the browser.
Minuses:
You can only make a GIF from a video if it is uploaded to youtube.com and is publicly available.
In the free version, the GIF is only saved with a watermark. The paid version costs $1.99 per month.
Only registered users can download GIF. But there is a trick. In the main window, right-click and select “Save As”. The file will download without registration.
You can only create GIFs if you have an internet connection.
Online-convert
Online-convert is an online converter that supports audio, video, images, documents and archives. It can also convert videos and photos to GIF.
For this you need:
Upload a video to the app using the “Choose file” button.
In the advanced settings section, you can change the size and color or crop the image.
Click on the “Start converting” button to start the process.
After processing the video, a new window will open and the file will be automatically uploaded. If this does not happen, click on “Download”.
Screenshot: Skillbox Media
Pros:
Simple, intuitive interface.
Free service.
It is possible to change the original color. For example, from a color video to make a gray or monochrome GIF.
You can set the desired size or specify the desired number of pixels.
It is possible to upload GIFs to cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive) directly from the service.
You do not need to install the program on your computer. The service runs in a browser.
Minuses:
There is no way to add inscriptions or stickers.
You cannot select an animation range – the first 25 seconds are animated. If you need to create an animation from the middle of a video, you will first need to cut it out in a video editing program.
The service can only be used online.
Camtasia Studio
Camtasia Studio is a video editing software. In it, you can mount videos, add inscriptions and buttons to them, record video from the screen. In the program, you can save the video in GIF format.
Action algorithm:
Create a project.
Upload one or more videos there that will participate in the animation. If necessary, add inscriptions or buttons to them.
To save the video as a GIF, click on the Share button.
In the menu that opens, select Local File.
Select the GIF format and click on the “Next” button.
Specify a name for the file and the location where you want to save it, then click on “Finish”.
Pros:
You can create GIFs from videos of any length.
You can not only make GIFs from videos, but also add flashing captions, buttons, and other elements.
The program works without an internet connection.
Minuses:
The high cost of the program ($249 for lifetime access).
You must know the program well to create animation in this way.
GIFs from images and videos
Canva
Canva is an online photo and video maker for websites and social networks. The project website has a detailed manual for creating animation. To save an animated GIF, you need to:
Create or open a project and click on the “Download” button.
Select the GIF format and click the button again.
The constructor will start generating video to GIF.
GIF animation will be saved automatically. If this does not happen, you need to click on the link “Click here”:Pros:
Simple, intuitive interface.
Ability to create animations from photos and videos.
Over 4 million photos and other items in the library.
Over 1000 fonts, plus you can upload your own.
Animation creation is also included in the free version.
Free access to full functionality – 30 days.
You do not need to install the program on your computer.
Minuses:
An internet connection is required to use the service.
Supa
Supa is an online video maker that lets you create videos from images or multiple videos and save them as GIFs. For this you need:
Create or open a video project and click on the “Download” button.
Select the format “Animated GIF”, specify the quality and number of frames per second. Click on the “Generate” button.
The constructor will start converting the video to GIF.
In the window that opens, click on the “Download to computer” button. GIF animation will appear in your folder soon.
Screenshot: Skillbox Media
Pros:
Simple, intuitive interface.
Ability to create animations from photos and videos.
Millions of free photos and videos in the library.
A large number of templates for animation.
You do not need to install the program on your computer.
Minuses:
GIF format is saved only in the paid version.
Relatively high cost – from 990 rubles per month for premium versions of the product.
An internet connection is required to use the service.