How to Make Gifs in Photoshop

In this tutorial You can easily create animated gif in Photoshop, using all kinds of creative methods. Create animated gif from images or create animated gif from video.

With images, you create frames manually using layers, while with a video, Photoshop automatically converts frames when you import it (File > Import > Video Frames to Layers). Both use the Timeline panel and export via Save for Web (Legacy) > GIF.

How to Make a GIF in Photoshop – Step-by-Step Guide

The steps that you have to make in order to create GIF in Photoshop are the following:

1. Open Photoshop and create a new file or import images.
2. Go to Window > Timeline to open the Timeline panel.
3. Click "Create Frame Animation" in the Timeline panel.
4. Add new frames by duplicating layers and adjusting content.
5. Set the duration for each frame (e.g., 0.1s, 0.5s, etc.) and the looping option (e.g., once, forever, etc.)
6. Click "Play" to preview the animation.
7. Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
8. Choose GIF format, adjust settings, and click Save.

Launch Photoshop and either create a new blank canvas (File > New) or import images or a video (File > Open).

If using multiple images, make sure each frame is on a separate layer.

The Photoshop Timeline panel is where you control the animation.

Go to Window > Timeline to enable it. A bar will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Click the “Create Frame Animation” button in the Timeline panel. If you don’t see this option, click the dropdown menu and select Frame Animation instead of Video Timeline.

Add new frames by duplicating layers and adjusting content.

Each frame in the animation corresponds to a layer. Duplicate layers and modify each one to create movement (e.g., changing position, color, or opacity). Click the “+” (new frame button) in the Timeline to add each frame.

The Photoshop make frames from layers method is my favorite.

An easier solution is to have Photoshop generate a new frame from each layer. Head to the Timeline panel's menu and select Make Frames From Layers.

Set the duration for each frame (e.g., 0.1s, 0.5s, etc.) and the looping option (e.g., once, forever, etc.)

Under each frame, set a time delay (e.g., 0.1s for smooth animation, 0.5s for slower changes).

At the bottom, select the looping option:

1. Once (plays only one time)
2. Forever (loops infinitely, ideal for GIFs)
3. Custom (sets a specific number of loops)

Click "Play" to preview the animation.

Hit the Play button in the Timeline panel to preview how your GIF will look. Make adjustments to the frames or timing if needed.

Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).

To export the animation, go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). This opens a settings window where you can optimize your GIF.

Choose GIF format, adjust settings, and click Save.

In the export settings, select:

✅ GIF format

✅ 256 colors (for better quality)

✅ Dither setting (improves gradients)

✅ Looping option: Forever

Once everything looks good, click Save, name your file, and you’re done!

Creating a GIF in Photoshop is simple: import images or create layers, use the Timeline panel to animate frames, adjust timing and looping, preview, and export as a GIF using "Save for Web (Legacy)". With these steps, you can make smooth, engaging animations for any purpose!

Types of Animations You Can Make in Photoshop:

1. Frame-by-frame animation – Like a flipbook, each frame is a different drawing.
2. Text animations – Animate text appearance, fades, or movement.
3. Cinematic GIFs – Convert video clips into animated GIFs.
4. Motion graphics – Use Smart Objects for smoother animations.
5. Looping effects – Create seamless looping GIFs.