A brief introduction to animated GIFs.

1. Using Animated GIFs
Digital Natives Faculty Forum
April 26, 2017
Sarah Kurpiel
Emerging Technologies Librarian

2. What is a GIF?
• Graphic Interchange Format
• Invented in 1987
• Supports animated and static images
• Animated GIFs typically run 2 to 6
seconds in a continuous loop
• No sound
Source: This GIF, by Lillie Le Dorre, is made
available under a CC-BY License.

3. Why Use GIFs?
• Reach an audience that favors
visual graphics.
• Inject humor and pop culture
references.
• Communicate through relatable
emotions and reactions.
• Share a quick demo. Example »
• Bring collections, images, and
objects to life. Example »
Source: U.S. National Archives

4. How To Insert a GIF in PPT & Google Slides
1. Find a GIF online
2. Save as an image
3. Insert as a picture

5. A Word of Caution
Source: U.S. National Archives

6. GIFs & Copyright
• When using GIFs that contain copyrighted material, consider the Four
Factors of Fair Use:
1. Purpose and character of use
2. Nature of copyrighted work
3. Amount of copyrighted work used
4. Effect on market value of copyrighted work
• Some organizations have no-GIF policies.
• Example: International Olympic Committee

7. Creative Commons & Public Domain GIFs
• U.S. National Archives on GIPHY
• NASA on GIPHY
• DPLA GIF IT UP – These GIFs are
Creative Commons-licensed
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
Source: NASA

8. Make Your Own Animated GIFs
• Use Public Domain content or
content that you’ve created.
• Tools:
• Photoshop
• GIMP
• GIPHY.com
• makeagif.com
• GIFMaker.me
• Screencast-O-Matic (use to record
your screen)

9. Thank You
Contact Information
Sarah Kurpiel
skurpiel@ben.edu
Source: NASA