How to make a GIF using iPhone, Android, Photoshop and more

GIF, an abbreviation for Graphic Interchange Format, represents a short video clip lasting a few seconds, devoid of sound but capable of continuous looping. Unlike traditional videos that may require a brief loading period, GIF files can run almost instantly.

Although GIFs have been in existence for several years, their popularity has increased in recent times, largely due to the usage of memes across social media and instant messaging platforms.

Whether you are using platforms like X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, or any other popular social media or messaging app, these apps provide access to a vast library of GIFs for instant sharing. While these pre-made GIFs are great, you can also express yourself with unique creations by making your own custom GIFs.

How to make a GIF image

A GIF can be made in a few simple steps. Here’s how to create it on various platforms like iPhone, Android, Photoshop, and more:

iPhone: Using the Photos app

On an iPhone, you can convert a Live Photo (images have a few seconds of motion and sound) into a GIF. Here is how you can do it:

1. Open the Photos app, find and open a Live Photo or a video.

2. If you have chosen a video, you need to tap the “Live” button available at the upper-left corner to change it into a Live Photo.

3. Swipe up to see the Effects section.

4. Choose “Loop” or “Bounce” to create a GIF from a Live Photo.

Android: Using Google Photos

The image gallery app, depending on your phone, will have an option to create a GIF. To make it easier, we are using Google Photos, which comes preinstalled on almost all Android phones.

1. Open Google Photos and select two to fifty photos.

2. Tap on “+” on the bottom and choose “Animation” to instantly create a GIF.

3. The next screen will provide you with options to share or delete it.

Photoshop

1. Import your source:

For Video: Go to File > Import > Video Frames to Layers. Select your video file.

For Images: File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack. Browse and select your images.

2. Go to Window > Timeline to open the animation panel.

3. Click the button in the Timeline panel and select ‘Create Frame Animation’.

4. Click the menu icon on the Timeline panel and select ‘Make Frames From Layers’.

5. Edit and customise

– Under each frame, adjust the timing, looping options, and so on.

– Add text, effects, and other elements.

6. Click on File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). Select ‘GIF’ as the format and optimise the settings.

GIF maker apps

You can find many GIF maker apps on Android’s Google Play Store or iOS’ App Store. One of them is Giphy, which allows you to make GIFs in just a few steps, as follows:

1. Download the Giphy app.

2. Open Giphy and tap the “+” button to create a GIF.

3. Choose from the three options: Record a new video directly from the app, select photos or a video from your library, or convert a Live Photo into a GIF.

4. You can customise your GIF with text, stickers, and filters.

5. Save and share your GIF.

ALSO READ: How to create a hotspot on your laptop

Online tools

Giphy.com, EzGIF.com, and Kapwing.com are popular websites for creating GIFs. These sites offer user-friendly interfaces and generally follow similar steps:

1. Upload: To begin, upload your video or a series of images.

2. Customisation: Resize your GIF, adjust the frame rate (which controls speed), set the loop count, and add fun effects.

3. Creation: Once you’re satisfied with the settings, you can generate your GIF.

Now that you know how to make GIFs on various platforms, you can add a touch of humour, reaction, or visual interest to your messages and posts. So, get creative, experiment, and let your personality shine through those looping animations!