Web Design in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition

Applications That Include GIF Animation Tools

GIF animation tools are built in or bundled with many popular graphics applications, eliminating the need to jump between different software packages.

Adobe ImageReady (Mac and Windows)

Adobe ImageReady is a tool (bundled with Photoshop 5.5 and higher) especially for preparing and optimizing web graphics. It includes a GIF animation tool that converts layers into frames and allows easy layer editing. ImageReady offers advanced optimization methods for making the smallest possible animations. For more information, see Adobe’s site at http://www.adobe.com.

Macromedia Fireworks (Mac and Windows)

Macromedia Fireworks was designed specifically for the creation of web graphics. It supports multiple layers that can be converted to multiple animation frames. Among other features are automatic super-palette optimization and the ability to perform LZW optimization. For more information, see Macromedia’s site at http://www.macromedia.com/software/fireworks/. As of this writing, Fireworks’ fate is unknown, as Macromedia has been acquired by Adobe.

Animation Shop (Windows only)

Animation Shop is a tool that complements Paint Shop Pro, an inexpensive and powerful graphics creation application from Corel (it was originally developed by JASC Software, Inc.). For more information, see Corel’s web site at http://www.corel.com.