Create an Animated GIF using Script-Fu

This lesson shows you how to create an animated GIF using the Script-Fu option of GIMP. We will take a JPEG image, and convert it to an animated GIF, applying a "rippling" effect in the process.

Before

We will take the following JPEG file, add a "rippling" effect, then create an animated GIF.

After

Here is the finished animated GIF. It took about 5 minutes to convert the above JPEG image into this animated GIF using GIMP.

How to Create an Animated GIF

I created the above animated GIF using the Script-Fu option of the GIMP. This is the easiest way of creating animated GIFs using GIMP. Script-Fu is a scripting extension for the GIMP.

You access Script-Fu from the top menu and select the function you require. Script-Fu does the rest.

To create an animated GIF using Script-Fu:

1. Open an image that you'd like to turn into an animated GIF:
   
2. From the Script-Fu menu, select an effect from the Animators option (I've chosen Rippling here):
   
3. Set the parameters as required (you can experiment with these settings as much as you wish):
   
4. Press OK
5. At this stage, a copy of your image will have opened in a new (untitled) window. To preview your animated GIF, select Filters > Animation > Playback:
   
6. Now a copy of your image will have opened in another window. But this time it's a "Playback" window. Click Play/Stop or step through the animation as required.
   
7. Once you're happy with the animation, save the image (File > Save). If you're not happy, go back and try again.
8. When prompted, select Save as Animation, then Export
   
9. Click OK to continue to save as a GIF. Note the options under Animated GIF Options.
   

That's all it takes to create an animated GIF using the GIMP!

In this tutorial we used the "ripple" effect, but feel free to check out the other animation effects. Also, experiment around with the various settings of the different effects.

More Advanced Animated GIFs

The Script-Fu method is one way of creating animated GIFs with the GIMP. While it has its benefits, you may find this method slightly limiting. I mean, you might want to do more with your animations than create cool ripple effects and the like.

To create more advanced animated GIFs in GIMP, you can use layers. The next lesson shows how to create animated GIFs using layers.

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