How to make a custom GIF using Photoshop
If you’ve used the internet lately, you have almost certainly come across a “GIF” – a sound-free, infinitely-looping video or set of images. GIFs have become increasingly popular in pop culture, but they are useful for more than just creating viral memes (although, they are pretty fun for that purpose too!). GIFs are a great way to add eye-catching movement to a social media post, or to add personality to a blog post on your website. GIFs are also a unique and efficient way to demonstrate a process or set of instructions within your eLearning module.
Whether you’re hoping to increase your GIF usage on your social media platforms, within your website, or to spice up your eLearning courses, a customized GIF is a fun way to show off your company’s personality.
There are numerous ways to create a gif, but today, I’m going to demonstrate my favorite way – using Photoshop – that is simple, quick, and totally customizable. I’ve written out the instructions below, as well as created a short instructional video documenting the process!
1. Create a video
First, create or locate the video that you would like to use as the source of your GIF. If you are creating your video from scratch, you can use any video editing software that you would like – I create many of GAAP Dynamics’ videos in Camtasia, but you can use Premiere Pro, Vyond, or whichever software with which you’re most comfortable. Try to keep your video short and sweet – since the best part of a GIF is watching it loop, lengthy videos will lose their punch. I suggest keeping it to about 5-7 seconds. When exporting your video, remember that you don’t need to include sound!
2. Open Photoshop
Time to convert your video! Open Photoshop, and choose File-Import-Video frames to layers. Then select the video that you’ve created in Step 1. From this window, you can choose to import the entire video, or you can cut it down to certain frames (this step is helpful if you’re using a video that’s been provided to you by someone else that you need to cut down). Click “Okay,” and you should see that all your frames will be added into the Layers panel.
3. Save your GIF
Next, choose File-Export-Save for Web. In the dropdown menu at the top right of the pop-up window, choose “GIF.” Under the “Animations” section, make sure that in the “Looping Options” dropdown menu, “Forever” is selected, as this will make sure your GIF animates properly. Click “Save,” and you are finished!
About GAAP Dynamics
We’re a DIFFERENT type of accounting training firm. We view training as an opportunity to empower professionals to make informed decisions at the right time. Whether it’s U.S. GAAP, IFRS, or audit training, we’ve trained thousands of professionals since 2001, including at some of the world’s largest firms. Our promise: Accurate, relevant, engaging, and fun training. Want to know how GAAP Dynamics can help you? Let’s talk!
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official accounting guidance. While we’ve ensured accuracy as of the publishing date, standards evolve. Please consult a professional for specific advice.
