How to make free GIFs in Canva from Images and Videos

GIF animations have become very popular in recent times. Whether it’s social media posts or Facebook messaging, GIFs are everywhere. There are many ways to create GIF animation files out there but if you are looking for a free and fast one-stop solution, then you should check out Canva. It gives you several different ways to create GIFs. You can get creative and create GIFs from scratch or use any of the pre-made templates to create. In this post, we’ll walk you through all and more. So let’s get started.

Perhaps the best part about using Canva’s online GIF maker is that it doesn’t require you to create an account. So you can get started right away. That said, if you want to use some of its premium designs and templates, you’ll need to sign up for a premium plan. (Make GIFs In Canva)

First, let’s see how we can make GIFs using a series of images in Canva. We’ll also check out some tools and features you can use to make your GIFs more eye-catching.

How to make GIFs with images in Canva

Open your web browser and navigate to Canva’s online GIF maker page (canva.com/create/gif-maker). Now click on the Create Free GIF button. (Read more:  Canva Photo Editor)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now click on the Create Free GIF button

Now click on the Create Free GIF button, Switch to the Upload tab on the left and click the Upload Media button to add an image.

Switch to the Upload tab on the left
Switch to the Upload tab on the left

Once added, you will find them in the Images tab. Now drag and drop your image into the GIF maker.

Now drag and drop your image into the GIF maker
Now drag and drop your image into the GIF maker

Now click the + button in the timeline to add your next image. You can repeat this step to add more images.

You can repeat this step to add more images
You can repeat this step to add more images

Next, click the clock icon in the toolbar at the top to determine how long the photo will appear in your GIF. You can set it anywhere from 0.1 seconds to up to 30 seconds.

 Click the clock icon in the toolbar at the top to determine how long the photo will appear in your GIF
Click the clock icon in the toolbar at the top to determine how long the photo will appear in your GIF

Add element

Once you’ve added the image to your timeline, you’re ready to animate your GIF by adding different elements to it. Here’s how to do it:

Switch to the Elements tab on your left. Then, you can explore Canva’s library of stickers, graphics, photos, charts, and more. For GIFs, you can check out the Graphics tab to find stickers, designs, badges, etc.

 Switch to the Elements tab on your left
Switch to the Elements tab on your left

You can drag and drop these elements to add them to your GIF. Once added, you can move, rotate, and resize them as you see fit.

Add text

In addition to stickers and photos, you can also add text to your GIF to make it more descriptive. Here’s how to do it:

Switch to the Text tab   on your left and select the type of text (headline, subhead, or regular text) you want to add.

Switch to the Text tab on your left and select the type of text
Switch to the Text tab on your left and select the type of text

Next, you will have to choose a text style. There are many designs available. Click on any one of them to add it to your GIF.

 You will have to choose a text style
You will have to choose a text style

After selecting the design, edit the text  within it. You can use the toolbar at the top to change the font style, size, color, position, distance, etc. You can also  create animation for your text or add different effects to make the text more noticeable.

After selecting the design, edit the text within it
After selecting the design, edit the text within it

Use the tools mentioned above to edit the rest of the images in your GIF.

Preview and download your GIF

Once you’ve finished editing your image, you can preview your GIF using the Play button in the timeline.

Once you've finished editing your image
Once you’ve finished editing your image

If you’re happy with your creation, here’s how you can download your GIF.

First, click the Download button in the top right corner. Change the File Type to GIF and select all the pages that you want to include in your GIF. Finally, click the Download button.

Click the Download button in the top right corner
Click the Download button in the top right corner

How to create GIFs with templates in Canva

If creating GIFs yourself feels like too much work, Canva also offers a number of ready-made templates that you can use to create GIFs. Read on to find out how.

Navigate to Canva’s online GIF maker in your browser and click the Create Free GIF button.

Next, in the Templates tab on the left, you’ll find lots of ready-to-use GIFs that you can use to create new GIFs. Preview each of these samples by moving your cursor over them.

It is to preview each of these samples by moving your cursor over them
Preview each of these samples by moving your cursor over them

Once you have selected your template, you can easily select, and customize every element of your GIF such as images, colors, text, animations, etc.

Once you have selected your template
Once you have selected your template

When done, download your GIF using the Download button in the top right corner.

How to make GIFs from videos in Canva

In addition to creating GIFs, you can also convert videos to GIFs with Canva in a few easy steps. Let’s see how.

Navigate to Canva’s online GIF maker in your browser and click the Create Free GIF button.

Switch to the Upload tab and click the Upload Media button to add your video.

Once added, you can trim your video from the timeline. To do that, move your cursor to the edge of the timeline. After the pointer turns into a double-sided arrow, shorten your video from both sides to select the part of the video that you want to convert to GIF.

You can trim your video from the timeline
You can trim your video from the timeline

Once you have finished cutting the video, you can add different elements, stickers, and text to your video as mentioned above.

Finally, download the video as a GIF using the Download button in the top right corner.

Download the video as a GIF using the Download button in the top right corner
Download the video as a GIF using the Download button in the top right corner

And that’s about it. You’re ready to share your GIF.

Wrap up: Create GIFs in Canva

As we just saw, creating GIFs in Canva is pretty easy and straightforward. Plus, Canva’s library of templates makes it easier for you to do so. Once you spend some time on it, you will also be able to create professional-looking GIFs with very little expertise. (Read more: CANVA SOFTWARE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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