A GIF animation created in After Effects, using a vector image of a TV, combining it with a color field of transitioning hues, and a noise filter overlay.

Why GIF animations are still amazing

Even though they are ‘old’ tech

What is a GIF?

GIF is an acronym and stands for Graphics Interchange Format, used in both static and animated image sequences.

Animated GIF image sequences are made by connecting dozens, if not hundreds, of individual GIF images. This allows for short, looped animations, supported as a live animation format on screens, such as this Medium screen.

A bit of movement can go a long way

First developed in 1987 by CompuServe as a file format to display images on early internet websites, by now, GIF animations have become nifty, eye-catching motion files to embellish a story with delightful or instructional short image sequences.

For examples, GIF animations are often used in tutorials to illustrate a series of steps.

A GIF animation tells a story

Meet the hero in this GIF animation sequence. Are there any more words required as to who the mischievous hero is in this story?

A GIF animation of a static TV vector illustration with the hero cat playing around the set.

Which programs support GIF…