Create a gif from a series of images of a corkscrew (Tutorial)
Note that the images were taken with a locked-off (rigid, not moved) camera (phone).
- First, back-up the original files in an appropriate location that will also be backed up to an external drive and also remotely.
- Using Photoshop, create a new folder and name it yourfirstname-corkscrew-anim
- Replace your firstname with YOUR first name!
- Download corkscrew-orig-stills-1.zip into that new folder.
- Un-zip the files.
- Create a new file in Photoshop:
- File > New
- PRESET DETAILS: yourfirstname-corkscrew-anim
- Replace your firstname with YOUR first name!
- Width: 3024 px
- Height: 4032 px
- Resolution: 72 pixels/inch
- Files > Scripts > Load files into stack
- The Load Layers dialog box opens.
- In the Use menu select Folder
- Click Browse
- Select the folder containing the corkscrew images.
- Wait for the images to load into the Layers panel.
- Window > Timeline
- In the middle of the Timeline panel is a button/menu
- Use the menu arrow to select Create Frame Animation (which is probably hidden under Create Video Timeline).
- Then click on the Create Frame Animation button.
- Timeline panel menu > Make frames from layers
- Find the frames with the corkscrew in its:
- Widest position: note the approximate width.
- Tallest position: note approximate height.
- Determine which frame would be best to crop the image size. You will want to:
- Keep the final image size small.
- Get rid of that blue area at the bottom of the frame.
- Select the Crop tool - it is in the fifth position down in the toolbar.
- Click on the image and then drag the Crop tool's boundaries to the positions you feel are best.
- Try to center the corkscrew.
- You can easily move the sides and overall position of the crop area.
- When you are satisfied with the positions,
- Balance frame brightness by selecting the layer that needs to be affected.
- Add a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer to it.
- Be sure there is a little down-pointing arrow to the right side of the layer's icon. If not Alt/Option-click on the boundary between the adjustment layer and the image layer.
- Select frames 2-12
- Use the Timeline's panel menu to select Copy frames.
- Select frame 13.
- Use the Timeline's panel menu to select Paste frames.
- The Paste Frames dialog box opens.
- Select from the Paste Method radio buttons options:
- Paste After Selection
- Leave the new frames selected.
- Use the Timeline's panel menu to select Reverse frames
- This creates a loop that will appear continuous.
- Adjust the speed by selecting all the frames and then clicking on the frame rate number at the bottom of the frame.
- I suggest that you enter 0.07
- Then select just the first frame and enter 0.5
- Export as an animated gif:
- File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)...
- Select the GIF 128 Dithered preset at the top of the right side settings area.
- Set the image size percentage to 10%
- Then click the play arrow to check the animation.
- Save the animated gif in an appropriate location.