Video editing is a complex process that requires a lot of practice and technological know-how along with creative skills. Save hours of time and anxiety with our easy to use Basic Photoshop Animation Template, designed for social media.
Photoshop is a well-known photo editor, however most people probably don't realise that it also includes some powerful video editing features, as well.
In this easy step-by-step guide you'll learn how to edit your animated Photoshop template using the Timeline panel to create a short-form video from static images.
Getting started
Before you start, download and install the fonts and have your images ready to go.
Open Photoshop
Open Adobe Photoshop
Open the template
There are 3 different sizes to choose from, select the size that you require
Open Layers palette
Make sure you have the Layers palette open, if not;
Go to: Window > Layers
Add your images
First we are going to add your images, to do so;
Double-click on the thumbnail in the Layers palette to open the smart-object (see below)
Photoshop will open a new .psb file (Image 1.psb)
Place your image
File > Place Embedded / Place Linked
Select your image > Place
Click Tick in topbar / Enter / Return (to commit transform)
File > Save (to save the .psb file)
File > Close (to close the .psb file)
Repeat this process for the rest of the images, until you have added all your images.
Add your CTA (Call to Action)
On the last layer (CTA) add your website url
Double-click on the thumbnail to open the smart-object
Edit the text to customise your message
File > Save (to save the .psb file)
File > Close (to close the .psb file)
NOTE: This layer can be anything. It doesn't have to be a CTA. You can add another image here if you wish. In this template we've used a call to action.
Preview your video
Once you have completed all your layers, you can now preview your video.
Open Timeline panel
Go to: Window > Timeline
Click the Play button
If you're happy with the preview you can move on to Exporting your file. If not, go back and edit your layers until you are happy with the outcome.
Exporting your video
Depending on what platform you intend to display your video, will require a different file format - GIF or MP4.
If your uploading to Facebook or Instagram you'll need a .MP4 file.
If your uploading to your website or email marketing platform (i.e. MailChimp), you'll probably require a .GIF file.
Creating MP4 file
File > Export > Render Video
In the Render Video box (the default settings should be correct) however, double-check the following:
Name: Name your file
Select Folder: Choose the folder you wish to save your file to
Preset: Choose the quality - High Quality / Medium Quality / Low Quality (if you find your file size is too large, try saving it as low quality to compress the file)
Size: Make sure the size is correct (this should match your image size)
Click > Render
Creating GIF file
There's a few ways to create a GIF file, this is the simplest option:
File > Save a Copy (Latest version of Adobe CC)
Save As: Name your file
Format: Change the format to GIF
Save
The GIF Save Options box will popup
Leave the default settings
Click > OK
Another way to create a high-resolution animated GIF is:
File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)
Change the format to: GIF
Colours: 256 (so you have the most colours available)
Looping Options: Forever
Save
Upload your file
After you have exported your file to the required format, you can now upload your file to Facebook, Instagram or whatever platform you are using.
More Helpful Information
How to resize the Photoshop file
If you need to change the image size:
Image > Image Size
Here you can edit the width and height
Please note, they are linked. So to unlink, click on the chain icon
OK
Understanding the Timeline Panel
A - Current time indicator B - Length of video / duration (6 seconds) C - Zoom In / Out D - All Layers
How to Close the Timeline Panel
Click the hamburger menu on the top right-hand corner of the Timeline Panel
