Slack GIF Creator

Create animated GIFs optimized for Slack with proper dimensions, frame rates, and file sizes.

Prerequisites

• •Python with Pillow, imageio, numpy
• •Understanding of animation concepts

Instructions

Slack Requirements

Core Workflow

from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
from PIL import Image, ImageDraw

builder = GIFBuilder(width=128, height=128, fps=10)

for i in range(12):
    frame = Image.new('RGB', (128, 128), (240, 248, 255))
    draw = ImageDraw.Draw(frame)
    # Draw animation using PIL primitives
    builder.add_frame(frame)

builder.save('output.gif', num_colors=48, optimize_for_emoji=True)

Drawing Graphics

draw = ImageDraw.Draw(frame)
draw.ellipse([x1, y1, x2, y2], fill=(r,g,b), width=3)  # Circles
draw.polygon(points, fill=(r,g,b), width=3)            # Polygons
draw.line([(x1,y1), (x2,y2)], fill=(r,g,b), width=5)  # Lines
draw.rectangle([x1,y1,x2,y2], fill=(r,g,b), width=3)  # Rectangles

Animation Concepts

• •Shake: Use math.sin()/math.cos() for oscillation
• •Pulse: Scale size with sine wave (0.8 to 1.2)
• •Bounce: Use easing='bounce_out' for landing
• •Spin: image.rotate(angle, resample=Image.BICUBIC)
• •Fade: Adjust alpha channel or use Image.blend()
• •Slide: Move from off-screen with easing='ease_out'

Making Graphics Look Good

• •Use thicker lines (width=2 or higher)
• •Add visual depth with gradients
• •Layer multiple shapes for complexity
• •Use vibrant, complementary colors
• •Add contrast (dark outlines on light shapes)

Error Handling

• •If file size too large, reduce colors/frames/dimensions
• •Don't use emoji fonts (unreliable across platforms)
• •Test GIF in Slack before finalizing

Notes

• •Utilities: GIFBuilder, validators, easing functions
• •Easing options: linear, ease_in, ease_out, bounce_out, elastic_out
• •Combine concepts: bouncing + rotating, pulsing + sliding

Source: anthropics/skills