ARCHIVED: What is a GIF animation and how do I make one?

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A GIF animation is a single GIF file that displays a series of images much like a cartoon. GIF animations work in most browsers and they are easy to build.

In general, creating an animated GIF file requires two steps. The first is to create a series of images. To do this, you can use any graphics software, or you can scan hand-drawn images. The second step is to combine the images into a single GIF animation; this usually requires special software.

Following are some of the many applications you can use to create and work with animated GIF files:

Online

GIFWorks
This web-based tool allows you to perform some simple manipulations to GIF images and to create animated text banners. It's available at:
```
  http://www.GIFWorks.com/
```

For Windows

GIF Construction Set Professional:

  http://www.mindworkshop.com/alchemy/gifcon.html

For Mac OS and Mac OS X

GifBuilder:
```
  http://www.tucows.com/preview/206447
```
For more Mac OS and Mac OS X graphic file manipulation programs, see the Knowledge Base document ARCHIVED: For Mac OS and Mac OS X, what programs can I use to view and manipulate graphic and animation files?

Some other sites to visit

HTML Goodies tutorial:

  http://www.htmlgoodies.com/tutorials/web_graphics/article.php/3479881

GIF Animation Software:

  http://members.aol.com/media27/swlinks2.htm

GIF Animation on the WWW:

  http://members.aol.com/royalef/gifanim.htm

Tucows:
```
  http://www.tucows.com/
```