Creating animated GIFs
In this first exercise, we will define document characteristics for a short and simple GIF animation to become familiar with the techniques surrounding frame animation. To maintain a low file size when output, it is prudent to limit the number of colors you use in a GIF animation. An animation containing hundreds of colors will dramatically increase file size.
Defining a new animation document
I’ve come to think of animation files as containing three crucial elements that could be likened to a theatrical performance. You have the canvas, which is the stage, the cast, which are the individual layers, and the scenes, which is the arrangement of content in the Timeline panel. I should point out that I don’t get out much! So, the first step is to set up a suitable stage with a new document and canvas:
- Go to File → New. When the New Document dialog appears, click on the Web tab at the top of the dialog to display the presets. Click...
