A GIF is an image file format. GIF files can store multiple images and therefore are suitable for creating short animations. Each image within the GIF file can have a time delay added and thus create an animation when multiple images are combined.
Animated GIFs are hugely popular and a relatively easy way to create moving images. You don’t need expensive video editing software or advanced knowledge of animation. All you need is a series of images and an idea. You also need some form of GIF maker to combine the images together. This is what we present in the below – 6 of the best GIF makers so you can start creating simple animations!
1. GIF Maker by GIPHY
Type – Web Application
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Make GIFs from either photos or videos
GIPHY is one of the largest repositories for GIFs in the world and it also has its own GIF maker. This web application is easy to use and allows you to upload photos, or paste the URL of videos that you wish to transform into animated GIFs.
To use this GIF maker you must create an account, but otherwise, it is simple to use and offers decent customization. You can also add captions to your GIFs if you want to create memes, for example.
2. GIF Toaster
Type – Mobile App
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Can create GIF collages
GIF Toaster is one of the best GIF makers available on smartphones and tablets. It is currently only available on iOS devices, but it is free to use. You can transform the various source material into GIFs including images, videos, time-lapse, and live photos. You can also crop images and then quickly share your creations via social media.
3. Pixaloop
Type – Mobile App
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Turn your photos into animated GIFs
Pixaloop is a versatile app that can be used to create moving and animated GIFS using your smartphone photos. It has a host of useful features and you can add audio effects and a host of animated effects to your photos. Also, you can select certain parts of your photos and create animation paths. This will add motion to the desired area to create animated GIFs.
4. Screen to GIF
Type – Software
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Full animation editing
Screen to GIF is one of the best GIF maker programs available. It is free to download for Windows and MAC devices. This program is essentially a screen recorder and you can record any portion of your visible desktop screen.
Once recorded, you can then transform this video file into an animated GIF. The process is simple, and the editing section has a great set of features to boost creativity.
5. GIFS.com
Type – Web Application
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Supports multiple platforms including Instagram
GIFS.com is another web application that offers simple functionality and a quick transformation process. Using this platform, you can only convert videos into animated GIFs – not photos. However, it supports multiple sources including Instagram, YouTube and Vine.
Once you have pasted your video URL, you are then taken to the simple editor. Here you can easily combine video frames to create an animated GIF. You can also add fun elements like text overlays, captions, and stickers.
6. Ezgif.com
Type – Web Application
Price – Free
Notable Feature – Can upload up to 2000 files
Ezgif.com is a basic web application that offers one of the simplest processes available. You can upload a range of image formats including JPG, PNG, and GIF to create animated GIFs. Also, you can upload up to 2000 images in total.
The animation creator is simple, and you can easily change parameters like animation speed, frame order, and the overall size of the animated GIF. There is also a great tutorial section that explains fully how to use Ezgif.com.
We hope you have found this article interesting. As you can see, there are various ways you can easily turn your images into animated GIFs. If you want to create memes or other animations for social media, why not give these GIF makers a try?
Related: Check out our awesome photography hashtags guide right here!
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