Create a GIF / animation

Recently I was offering to create a "how to create a GIF" - this was before I realized how many different platforms, devices, tools everyone uses to post on Steemit and to create any visuals. There are tons of different ways how to create a GIF depending on this. The following options exist:

• Using an online service such as Google Photos that offer this as add-on
• Using dedicated free GIF makers via the Internet (e.g. Giphy.com)
• Use Software on your Windows / Mac OS or Linux Desktop computers (e.g. Photoshop)
• Use mobile Apps on Smartphones / Tablets (e.g. GifLab)

These are the most common ways I am aware of - sure there are even more options how to do it. To make this guide really helpful I decided to show here how I do this personally by using my laptop and a common Web Browser. These days I assume almost everyone owns a Gmail / Google account - this is probably the easiest way to create animations. Even via Google I might do a series of tutorials (if we can call it that way) for different devices / platforms such as:

• Android smartphone
• Apple iPhone / iPad
• Laptop Browser

What is a GIF / animated photo again?

Roughly explained - an animation is a group of photos put together to create a photo of a moving subject. Also videos can be used to create such an animated effect. A GIF is used as a synonym for animated photos which is not 100% true though. GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format and is an image / graphic file on a Web page that moves. Here a definition I found on the web via Techtarget.com: "In particular, an animated GIF is a file in the Graphics Interchange Format specified as GIF89a that contains within the single file a set of images that are presented in a specified order. An animated GIF can loop endlessly (and it appears as though your document never finishes arriving) or it can present one or a few sequences and then stop the animation."

This is HOW I Do it (Using Laptop Browser and Google)

Here is how I do it by using the Google Photos Services in a usual Web Browser (easy - just follow the steps):

• Open a browser and go to photos.google.com!
• Sign in to your Google Account or create one!
• Once logged in look on the left, click Assistant!

• Select Animation!

• Choose the photos you want to include in the animation (minimum 2, maximum 50)
• Go to the top and click Create:

• Enjoy the GIF and create a post on Steemit.com

Conclusion

I hope my way of adding arrows are also clear to others - am not a professional in guiding through or drafting tutorials so far. I am happy to draft more of these for different platforms / devices. I am looking forward to any feedback by the community.

Sources: Cover photo was a template used from Pixabay under CCO - no attribution required, definition of GIF by http://searchmicroservices.techtarget.com/definition/animated-GIF-Graphics-Interchange-Format