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How to Create Animation in Photoshop – Step-by-Step Guide 

This is a complete, practical workflow to create animations in Photoshop (CC) using Frame Animation and Video Timeline (Keyframes). Follow each step carefully to build smooth, professional animations for GIFs, social media videos, or logo intros.

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1) Project Setup

1. Open Photoshop → File > New

2. Choose document size:

   • 1920×1080 for video / reels

   • 1080×1080 for social media

   • 800×600 for GIF (reduces file size)

3. Resolution: 72–150 ppi

4. Background: Transparent (if needed)

Enable Layers panel: F7

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2) Open Timeline Panel

Go to Window > Timeline

Two animation options will appear:

Type	Best For
Create Frame Animation	GIFs, cartoon style, basic movement
Create Video Timeline	Smooth motion, keyframes, advanced animation

Click Create Frame Animation or Create Video Timeline depending on your project.

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3) Frame Animation Workflow (Simple GIF Method)

1. Create a new layer for each frame of animation.

   • New Layer: Ctrl + Shift + N

   • Duplicate Layer: Ctrl + J

2. Turn visibility ON/OFF of layers to define different frames.

3. In Timeline panel click New Frame to create more frames.

4. Set Frame Delay (0.1–0.2 seconds is common for GIFs).

5. Use Play button to preview.

Export GIF

Go to:
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)

• Format: GIF

• Colors: 64–128

• Looping: Forever

• Click Save

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4) Video Timeline Workflow (Keyframe Animation – Smooth Motion)

1. Choose Create Video Timeline

2. Expand layer properties (click the small arrow).

3. Click the Stopwatch icon next to Transform, Opacity, or Position to enable keyframes.

4. Move the Playhead forward and change object position or scale (Photoshop automatically creates new keyframes).

5. Add motion easing (right-click keyframes → Ease In / Ease Out).

6. Preview with Play.

Export Video

File > Export > Render Video

• Format: H.264 (MP4) or MOV

• Frame Rate: 24 or 30 fps

• Quality: High

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5) Example: Bouncing Ball Animation

1. Create a new document

2. Draw a circle (ball) using Ellipse Tool (U)

3. Add Video Timeline

4. Turn on Transform keyframes

5. Move ball down → create keyframe

6. Move playhead → drag ball up → auto keyframe

7. Move playhead again → drag ball down → keyframe

8. Add Ease In / Ease Out for realistic bounce

9. Add Squash & Stretch on landing (Free Transform Ctrl + T)

6) Pro Tips

Feature	Benefit
Smart Objects	Prevents quality loss when scaling
Motion Blur	Adds realistic fast movement
Adjustment Layers	Better color control
Onion Skin	Shows ghost frames for hand-drawn animation
Smaller resolution	Faster preview and export

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7) GIF Optimization Tips

• Reduce colors to keep size small

• Avoid too many frames

• Use dithering to maintain quality

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8) Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
New Layer	Ctrl + Shift + N
Duplicate Layer	Ctrl + J
Free Transform	Ctrl + T
Save for Web	Alt + Shift + Ctrl + S
Move Tool	V
Undo	Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Alt + Z

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9) Final Checklist

✔ Correct resolution
✔ Smooth motion with easing
✔ Clean layer organization
✔ File optimized for size
✔ Correct export format (GIF or MP4)

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Conclusion

Photoshop is a powerful tool for creating both simple and advanced animations. Whether you are making a GIF, a character movement, or a logo animation, mastering keyframes, frames, and timeline will help you produce professional results.