animated gifs
DESCRIPTION
Technology may come and go, but the Animated GIF (pronounced “jiff”) has stood the test of time. Introduced in 1987, the GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a compressed image file format that also allows for animation. Even if you’ve never heard of GIFs, chances are you’ve seen them used on sites like Tumblr, Buzzfeed, and other social media. Join us as we explore the history and technology of the GIF, explain how to find GIF files for almost any use imaginable, and discuss how to create your own GIF files from video and pictures. We’ll also explore how libraries are making use of animated GIFs across their social media sites, as well as limitations of this file format. Can’t attend the live event? Register over here for access to the recording, made available within 7 days of the live webinar. Instructor Bio ~ Rachel Eichen Rachel Eichen is a certified presenter who has had over three years of teaching experience. She has taught computer classes to passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship, which included such topics as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office. She also taught classes while working within the software industry. She enjoys learning about new technology trends and loves sharing this information with others. Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Library & Information Science and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing.TRANSCRIPT
Rachel EichenNovare Library Services
ANIMATED GIFS
How much do you already know about GIFs (1-10?)
QUICK POLL
What are GIFs?Uses TodayLimitationsFinding GIFsMake Your Own
AGENDA
WHAT ARE GIFS?
Pronounced “JIF”Graphics Interchange FormatSeries of moving images
BASICS
Started by Compuserve in 1987Animated it in 1989Help with slow browsers and no video
HISTORY
Also transparentOnly 256 total colors to save on size
HISTORY
No software to downloadWorks on every platformPlays automatically
WHY SO POPULAR?
GEOCITIES
POPULAR EARLY GIFS
MYSPACE
OVER 25 YEARS OLD BUT STILL USED!
(UNLIKE MOST TECHNOLOGY)
USES TODAY
More tools to createMore media to pull fromMore places to put it all
MORE GIFS THAN EVER
IMGUR
TUMBLR
WHAT SHOULD WE CALL ME?
REACTION GIFS
More versatile than textMRW
REACTION GIFS
BUZZFEED
MEMES
REPLAY MOVIES/TV
REPLAY NEWS
GIF AS AN ART
LIBRARY USES
INSTRUCTIONS/TUTORIALS
SHOWING OFF A COLLECTION
LIBRARY TOUR
HUMOR
PROMOTE EXHIBITS
LIFE INTO OLD BOOKS
SHOW OFF STAFF
LIBRARIAN PROBLEMS
www.librarianproblems.com
SMITHSONIAN LIBRARIES (TUMBLR)
http://smithsonianlibraries.tumblr.com/
HUNTINGTON LIBRARY (TUMBLR)
http://huntingtonlibrary.tumblr.com/
LIMITATIONS
Tumblr (But with restrictions)ImgurTwitter (new for 2014!)Blogs (Wordpress & Blogger)Pinterest (sort of)Reddit (just a link)
WHERE YOU CAN SHARE
1MB LimitReblogs work best
TUMBLR
File size limit = 3 MB
Facebook (but can link)Outlook (newer versions don’t animate)
Windows file preview
WHERE CAN’T YOU SHARE
No soundOnly 256 colors no matter what!Image not easy to edit once created
Too many can slow a page downCan be clunky on mobile
OTHER DISADVANTAGES
Use fewer framesCrop it to make it smallerResize itUse fewer colorsBreak up file into multiple images
WAYS TO SHRINK FILE SIZE
EZGIF.COM
FINDING GIFS
GIPHY.COM
Search tools > Any type > AnimatedWill not animate in preview
GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCH
REDDIT & IMGUR
http://imgur.com/r/gifs
http://reddit.com/r/gifs
Mr. GIFReality TV GIFsGIFs from last night (TV/Movie)Animal GIFSearch tagsSee what other library tumblrs post
TUMBLR!
CINEMAGRAPHS.COM
MAKE YOUR OWN
MAKEAGIF.COM
RECORDIT.CO
Photoshop (if you have it)GIF Brewery ($5, for mac only)GIFFing tool (Windows, PWYW)
OTHER TOOLS ($$$)
Less is more!Save gifs on your computer for use later
Think small and shortRemember your limitations
BEST PRACTICES
Smithsonian Library – How to make your own Animated GIFs
How to make animated gifs with GIMP
How to make simple animation with photoshop (Youtube)
RESOURCES
QUESTIONS
Rachel Eichen
www.learnsurge.comwww.novarelibrary.com
slideshare.net/adverb