How to Make an Animated GIF From Several Pictures

GIFs are short looping animations used in chats, memes, tutorials and simple product demos. You do not need a video editor: a handful of pictures is enough.

Quick answer

Add your pictures, arrange them in order, choose the time each frame stays on screen and the width, then create and preview the GIF. Download it when it looks right.

Ideas

• Slideshow of product photos.
• Before and after loop.
• Step-by-step instructions from screenshots.
• Simple animation by drawing slight changes between frames.
• Greeting cards for festivals.

Steps

1. Open the tool and add 2 or more pictures.
2. Drag them into the right order.
3. Set frame delay. 0.3 to 0.5 seconds suits slideshows; 0.1 suits animation.
4. Set the width (480 to 600 px is good for sharing).
5. Press create, preview and download.

Keeping the file small

• A GIF stores every frame as a picture, so size grows fast.
• Use fewer frames and a smaller width.
• Choose images with similar colours; GIF has only 256 colours.
• Crop out unneeded areas before you start.

Tips

• Make all pictures the same shape to avoid jumping.
• For long clips or video, use Video to GIF instead.
• Many platforms convert GIFs to video; a short, small GIF still works best.

The GIF is made in your browser and your pictures are not uploaded.