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How to Make a GIF in GIMP: 2 Easy Methods
Learn to create your perfect GIFs using the GIMP software
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
GIMPis a great open-source photo editor, with an abundance of features. Speaking of which, did you know you can useGIMPto create GIFs?
That’s right, and in this short guide, we’re going to show you how to make a GIF inGIMPwith a few simple steps.
If you don’t already haveGIMPinstalled on your PC, you can simply download and install it by following the on-screen instructions.
How can I make a GIF using GIMP?
1. Use the Open as Layers option
- Launch the GIMP app on your device.
2.When GIMP opens, click onFileand then choose theOpen as Layersoption.
- Now you need to locate the images that you want to use in your GIF, select them all, and then click onOpen.
You can select multiple images by holdingShiftand clicking on individual images.
- From the Layers tab, select the desired order for the images you just selected. The GIF will start with the image on the bottom layer, and continue with those above it. Basically, it goes from the bottom to the top.
5.Click onFilters >Animation> Optimize (for GIF).
6.Now click onFilers >Animation> Playback.
7.A new window will now appear. Click thePlaybutton to preview your GIF.
8.If the order of frames isn’t good, you’ll need to rearrange them in theLayerssection, as described in step 4.
9.To save your GIF file go toFile >Export as.
10.Select the save location, give the GIF a name, and set theFile TypetoGIF.
11.Now clickExport.
12.SelectAs animationandLoop forever.You can adjust other settings if you want as well, from this window.
13.Click onExport.
The first and best way to make GIFs using GIMP is by using the app’s built-in Open as layers option. This method is incredibly simple because it automates the entire process.
However, in order to use this method effectively, you need to create images that will be used in the GIF beforehand.
2. Create an animated GIF using GIMP from scratch
This method might be more complicated because you need to create your frames on the fly and set the delay time for each frame.
If you don’t have your frames created, this method will be perfect for you, and you’ll master it with a bit of trial and error.
Creating GIF animations inGIMPis simple, and as long as you have your frames created, you can just import them as layers and you’re good to go.
On the other hand, if you want to create layers from scratch, you’ll have to manually create or duplicate each frame.
In case you findGIMPtoo complicated to use, you might want to consider using a specializedGIF maker and viewer software.
We hope you managed to make a GIF in GIMP using our guides. Let us know in the comments section if you encountered any difficulties.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
