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Importing Gif to layers in static image in Photoshop CS6 ? (9)

06-13-2014 12:15 AM #1 phillian (Moderator)
Importing Gif to layers in static image in Photoshop CS6 ?

Hey guys - before I go postal on my computer for being unable to figure this out, does anyone have some guidance on how to import a gif as layers into a static image in Photoshop CS6?

The old file > import > video frames to layers doesn't work with gifs in CS6, so I've been stuck on this problem since last night trying to hack around it.

My eternal thanks and good karma for any photoshop wizardry advice.

06-13-2014 12:35 AM #2 phillian (Moderator)

Alternatively, a simple explanation on how to create a banner ad with an animated gif contained inside it - in CS6 - would be equally appreciated.

06-13-2014 12:38 AM #3 nebuer (Member)

Personally I open the .gif first with photoshop, and then create the ad around it. Would be interested in a better way also.

06-13-2014 12:51 AM #4 phillian (Moderator)



^ This has been almost helpful, but for whatever reason it copies a single frame of the gif, not the whole gif (for animation). Going to keep messing with it until I figure it out though. Unless someone chimes in here, first.

06-13-2014 12:51 AM #5 kash50 (Member)

I am using CS4 and ran into the same issue. I installed the 64-bit version of CS4 and it installed two copies. A 64-bit app and a 32-bit app.

The 64-bit version of CS4 does not have the > import > video frames to layers. The 32-bit version does however have the > import > video frames to layers function.

I think this is the same for CS6. Try launching the 32-bit version.

06-13-2014 01:04 AM #6 phillian (Moderator)

FYI all: The method nebeur talks about above is by far the fastest. Took me 60 seconds to make an ad instead of 20 minutes.

- open gif in PS
- >image > image size [resize gif to desired ad size according to whatever the limiting px is (h or w)]
- >image > canvas size [resize to ad size]
- >create static element in open pixel space.

Would love for it to be cleaner than that, but it works.

06-13-2014 03:50 AM #7 zeno (Administrator)

Quote Originally Posted by phillian View Post
Hey guys - before I go postal on my computer for being unable to figure this out, does anyone have some guidance on how to import a gif as layers into a static image in Photoshop CS6?

The old file > import > video frames to layers doesn't work with gifs in CS6, so I've been stuck on this problem since last night trying to hack around it.

My eternal thanks and good karma for any photoshop wizardry advice.
What do you mean by "It doesn't work"?

Is it available in the menus but gives you some error?

06-13-2014 04:13 AM #8 phillian (Moderator)

Quote Originally Posted by zeno View Post
What do you mean by "It doesn't work"?

Is it available in the menus but gives you some error?
On my Mac (in CS6) selecting import > Video Frames to Layers... you can't even select a gif
On a PC (in CS6) selecting import > Video Frames to Layers... you can select a gif, but you can't import it. It will serve you an error message.

This is a functionality the older versions used to have as a quick way of importing an animated gif into a static image.

I've been working with the method nebeur first described for the last several hours though and no worries - everything is looking good. Once you get the hang of it you can create a banner ad with an animated element in 60 seconds or less.

06-13-2014 10:34 AM #9 zeno (Administrator)

Well... at least in Photoshop CC:

I open a GIF.
All frames appear as layers.
Window > Timeline lets you play it.

If you then want to import them into another file, I would have the GIF and your other file open. In the GIF, select all the layers, hit ctrl+G, then right click the group > duplicate > choose the other document as the destination.

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