Finding and using graphics

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In addition to transparency, the GIF file format also supports animation.  An animated GIF is simply a sequence of separate GIF images merged into one file.   

The animation above is made from ten separate images:

		Animation from PaintShop Pro 5 example file - www.jasc.com

I believe that most all commercial web graphics software packages include the ability to make animations.  I know that PaintShop Pro 5's animation editor is very easy to use, and even includes some effects to add some quick movement to still images:

still	shaky cam	spiral	pixelate

Above are some novel image effects in PaintShop Pro 5.  There are also image effects for zoom, wipe, curtain, and other transitions familiar in presentation software. And there are text effects that scroll or bounce or wave text.

Designers need to know how to make animations, but their use in web pages raises some serious issues:

They significantly increase download times - a 10-frame animation sequence is exactly the same as adding 10 static pictures to your page.  Therefore files need to be optimized for speed - small sizes, limited palettes and high compression are musts.

They are strong draws for the user's attention.  Therefore they must add substantially to the meaning of a page.  Decoration, in my opinion, is not a good reason to use animation.

Animation loops can be limited - they do not need to go on forever.  This, in my opinion, is an underused feature of animation.