Adobe After Effects: Create GIF - Here's how

Since the last update, you can no longer create animated GIF files directly in Adobe After Effects. We show you how you can still create a GIF graphic with Adobe Photoshop.

Step 1: Create a video sequence in "Adobe After Effects"

First, you need to create a video composition in Adobe After Effects.

1. To do this, open "Adobe After Effects" and create your image composition. You can import and edit video and image files for this. In another practical tip, we show you how to create slow motion in Adobe After Effects, for example.
2. When you have finished working on your project, select "Add to render list" in the "Composition" menu.
3. The default setting for the export is the MOV format of QuickTime. Start the process via "Render" and wait until the video file has been exported.

Step 2: export GIF sequence from Photoshop

For the further procedure you need "Adobe Photoshop". Here you import the video file and output it as an animated GIF.

1. To do this, open "Adobe Photoshop" and import the video file that you previously created in "Adobe After Effects".
2. In the "File" menu, select "Save for web and devices ...".
3. Select the "GIF" file format below the "Default" field.
4. When you click "Save", Photoshop exports your GIF file to the location you selected. You can then safely delete the video.

If you do not have "Adobe Photoshop", we will show you in another practical tip how you can create an animated GIF with the free tool "GIMP".