How to Create an Animated GIF Image with GIMP
Run GIMP, and create a new image using File->New., Make sure the toolbox is visible and the Layers tool is available., Use the bucket tool to fill the background layer with black. , Use Filters->Render->Pattern->Grid, unlock the Horizontal and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Run GIMP
If you need to, read How to Install GIMP.
The size you select depends largely on your purpose.
Banner advertisements are generally between 60 and 120 pixels tall and 400 to 800 pixels wide.
Different website software and banner exchange systems will list their own requirements.
For buttons, the height is generally not more than 40 pixels, and the width is usually less than 300 pixels.
Separators, accents, widgets, doodads, and thingamabobs that you want to build have no restriction except the question of how much drive space and bandwidth do you want to use up? In this tutorial, we will select 200 pixels for width and 20 for height, then click OK.
GIMP will give you a nice white little rectangle. -
Step 2: and create a new image using File->New.
Each Layer we create will be a 'frame' in the animation. ,, Select a dark red color for the Horizontal and Vertical grid lines, then click OK. , Now right click the layer named 'Background copy' and select Layer Properties to rename it to something simple like 'Frame 1'. ,, Some animations lend themselves to several variations, and saving a framework will save a ton of time making those variations.
Use GIMP's internal .xcf format for this base file, such as "LightBarBase.xcf". ,,,,, "LightBarSave.xcf"
Doing this last allows you to replace mistakes and extend the animation if you choose to by duplicating the background, but at the end it usually isn't needed for the animation. , GIMP will ask if you want to Merge Visible Layers or Save as Animation.
Select "Save as Animation" and click "Export"(NOTE:
In new version of GIMP, You cannot use "Save As" command for GIF format, You may use export menu instead of Save As). , Higher number equals slower animation. (NOTE:
In new version of GIMP, Comments and frames option is available in export dialogue box itself). , Your new animated .gif has been created! -
Step 3: Make sure the toolbox is visible and the Layers tool is available.
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Step 4: Use the bucket tool to fill the background layer with black.
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Step 5: Use Filters->Render->Pattern->Grid
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Step 6: unlock the Horizontal and Vertical values by clicking on the little chain symbol between them
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Step 7: and enter 3 for Horizontal width
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Step 8: 4 for Vertical width
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Step 9: 0 for Intersection
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Step 10: 22 for Horizontal Spacing
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Step 11: 18 for Vertical Spacing
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Step 12: 2 for Intersection Spacing
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Step 13: 1 for Horizontal Offset
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Step 14: 0 for Vertical Offset
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Step 15: and 6 for Intersection Offset.
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Step 16: Using the Layers tool
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Step 17: Right click on the Background layer and select Duplicate Layer.
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Step 18: Use the same method to duplicate the frame 16 times for a total of 16 frames plus the Background frame.
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Step 19: This is a good point to Save the work up to now.
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Step 20: "Hide" all of the frames by clicking the Eye icon next to them.
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Step 21: Select Frame 1
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Step 22: Show Frame 1
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Step 23: and fill the leftmost grid box with a bright red.
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Step 24: Un Show Frame 1
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Step 25: Show Frame 2
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Step 26: Select Frame 2 and fill the next grid box over with the same color.
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Step 27: Continue through all of the Frames
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Step 28: 'bouncing' back toward the left when you reach the rightmost grid box.
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Step 29: Save this as a backup in case you want to make small changes.
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Step 30: Delete the "Background" layer.
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Step 31: Select File->Save As
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Step 32: name the file "LightBar.gif"
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Step 33: and click Save.
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Step 34: The next window offers a place to save a .gif comment within the file
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Step 35: and the standard delay between frames.
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Step 36: Finally
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Step 37: click Save.
Detailed Guide
If you need to, read How to Install GIMP.
The size you select depends largely on your purpose.
Banner advertisements are generally between 60 and 120 pixels tall and 400 to 800 pixels wide.
Different website software and banner exchange systems will list their own requirements.
For buttons, the height is generally not more than 40 pixels, and the width is usually less than 300 pixels.
Separators, accents, widgets, doodads, and thingamabobs that you want to build have no restriction except the question of how much drive space and bandwidth do you want to use up? In this tutorial, we will select 200 pixels for width and 20 for height, then click OK.
GIMP will give you a nice white little rectangle.
Each Layer we create will be a 'frame' in the animation. ,, Select a dark red color for the Horizontal and Vertical grid lines, then click OK. , Now right click the layer named 'Background copy' and select Layer Properties to rename it to something simple like 'Frame 1'. ,, Some animations lend themselves to several variations, and saving a framework will save a ton of time making those variations.
Use GIMP's internal .xcf format for this base file, such as "LightBarBase.xcf". ,,,,, "LightBarSave.xcf"
Doing this last allows you to replace mistakes and extend the animation if you choose to by duplicating the background, but at the end it usually isn't needed for the animation. , GIMP will ask if you want to Merge Visible Layers or Save as Animation.
Select "Save as Animation" and click "Export"(NOTE:
In new version of GIMP, You cannot use "Save As" command for GIF format, You may use export menu instead of Save As). , Higher number equals slower animation. (NOTE:
In new version of GIMP, Comments and frames option is available in export dialogue box itself). , Your new animated .gif has been created!
About the Author
Marie Price
Brings years of experience writing about cooking and related subjects.
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