5 Simple Steps to Creating Easy Peasy GIFs

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Creating an "easy peasy gif" can be a fun and creative endeavor. It's a simple process that involves selecting your material, using gif-making tools, customizing your gif, and then sharing your work with the world. This blog will guide you through these steps, helping you create your very own gif in no time!

1. Get to Know GIFs

Before we dive into creating an easy peasy gif, it's important to understand what a GIF is and how it works. So, let's get started!

What are GIFs?

GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. It's a bitmap image format that was developed in the late 1980s. GIFs are unique because they can be animated or static. They're often used on the internet to convey emotion, humor, or to illustrate a point. Think of them as the digital equivalent of a comic strip, but with the added bonus of movement.

Where to Find GIFs

If you're looking for inspiration or examples of what a gif can look like, there are plenty of places to find them. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are filled with a wide variety of gifs. Websites like Giphy and Gifer specialize in hosting a vast array of gifs for public use. So, take a look and see what catches your eye!

How GIFs Work

Now that we know what a gif is and where to find them, let's talk about how they work. A gif is essentially a series of images or frames that are played in a sequence, creating the illusion of movement. This is similar to how a flipbook works: when you flip through the pages quickly, the images appear to move. When making your own easy peasy gif, you'll be selecting and sequencing these frames yourself. It's like being a director of your own mini-movie!

2. Select Your Material

Now, let's move to the next step of creating an easy peasy gif: selecting your material. This can be a key component in ensuring your gif perfectly captures your desired message or emotion. So, where do you start?

Choosing the Right Images

The first step in creating your gif is to choose the right images. These images will be the "frames" in your gif. It's important to choose high-quality images that clearly convey the message or emotion you're aiming for. Remember, each frame contributes to the overall story of your gif, so make sure each image is purposeful. Want to show a dog jumping for joy? Then you'll need a series of images capturing that progression of movement. It's all about storytelling!

Converting Video to GIF

Another way to create an easy peasy gif is by converting a video into a gif. This might sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple! You just need to select a short clip from a video that you think would make a great gif. Keep in mind, the shorter the clip, the smaller and easier to share your gif will be. So, got a favorite scene from a movie or a hilarious fail from a home video? It could be your next great gif!

3. Use GIF Making Tools

Once you've chosen your material, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty of creating your easy peasy gif. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools out there to help you with this process. Let's take a look at some of the best ones.

Online GIF Makers

Online gif makers are a great place to start, especially if you're new to the gif-making world. Websites like Giphy, Imgflip, and EZGIF allow you to upload your images or video clip, and they'll do the rest of the work for you. You can even customize your gifs with these platforms, adding text, filters, and adjusting the speed of your gif. All of these tools make the process of creating your gif as easy peasy as possible.

Software Options

If you're looking for a bit more control over the gif-making process, consider using software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. These software options allow for more customization, so you can really make your gif your own. However, they do have a steeper learning curve than online gif makers, so be prepared to spend some time learning the ropes.

Mobile Applications

Want to create a gif on the go? There are plenty of mobile applications that allow you to create gifs right on your phone. Apps like Gif Maker, Gif Me, and Giphy Cam offer easy-to-use interfaces that make creating gifs a breeze. So, whether you're at a sporting event, a concert, or just hanging out with friends, you can capture the moment and turn it into a gif in no time.

4. Customize Your GIF

Now that you've crafted your base gif, let's sprinkle in some personality. Customizing your gif can really make it pop and add that extra oomph to your message. Here are some ways to make that easy peasy gif really shine.

Adding Texts

Text can be a powerful tool in a gif. It can help convey your message, add context, or simply add a touch of humor. Most gif-making tools will have an option for you to add text. Remember, gif text is often quick and snappy. So, choose your words wisely!

Adjusting Speed

Playing with the speed of your gif can drastically change its impact. A slow-motion gif can add a dramatic effect, while a sped-up gif can create a sense of urgency or excitement. Most online tools and software will allow you to adjust the speed of your gif. So, feel free to experiment and see what works best for your gif.

Applying Filters

Filters can transform the look and feel of your gif. Whether you're going for a vintage look, a dramatic noir effect, or a bright and colorful aesthetic, filters can help you achieve the perfect tone for your gif. Just like with photo editing, filters in gif-making tools can help take your easy peasy gif to the next level.

Yes, you made it! You've created your very own easy peasy gif. But what's the use of a great gif if it's sitting alone in your hard drive? It's time to set it free into the world. Here's how to share your gif.

Social media is a great place for gifs. They can be used to react to posts, add humor to your updates, or bring attention to your content. Most social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, support gif uploads directly. So, go ahead, show your easy peasy gif to your followers and bring joy to someone's day!

Email and Messaging

Think emails and messages are boring? Not anymore! Add your gif as an attachment to your email or message. It's a fun and easy way to add personality to your communication. Trust me, your gif will make your email or message stand out in a crowded inbox.

Blog and Website

Gifs can add life to your website or blog. They can be eye-catching, engaging, and a great way to break up text. You can upload your gif directly to your blog or website. Just remember to optimize your gif for web to ensure it loads quickly. Your visitors will surely appreciate the time and effort you put into creating your easy peasy gif.

If you enjoyed learning about creating GIFs and want to dive deeper into animation, check out the workshop 'How To Animate A Logo In 2D Using After Effects' by George Dyson. This workshop will teach you step-by-step how to give life to your logos using 2D animation in After Effects, taking your creative skills to new heights.