Free Animated GIF Background

An animated GIF is an image that appears to be animated. The effect of movement is generated by threading a series of images together, almost like stop-action photography. This short sequence of images is then put on a loop that gives the image its animated qualities. There are plenty of websites around that offer free animated GIF’s, and once a designer has the GIF, it is then simply a matter of inserting it into the website in the correct manner.

Uses for Animated GIF’s

There are many reasons for using animated GIF’s, particularly on small self-made websites. They are visual features that draw the eyes to the information on the web page. They give the website an idea of movement, and they can compliment the more static images on the website. Animated GIF’s are often used in banner advertisements in websites, to put some action into the advertisement and therefore drawing the viewer towards it. You will find them used often as bullet points, to make the information a little more visually interesting.

However, the explosion of Flash websites has reduced the use of GIF animation. Still, there are free-to-use and simple-to-design websites available to the public that use animated GIF’s to make the site more stylish. These GIF animations are usually behind the text, repeating images horizontally and vertically. They can range from simple rotating stars to revolving shapes and much more.

How to Use Free Animated GIF Backgrounds

When creating a background on a website using free animated GIF backgrounds, you must first choose the right image. The image must make sense within the context, tone and subject matter of the website. It doesn’t make sense to have animated GIF’s of bullets or guns on a website for toddler activities in local areas. Therefore, the relationship between the GIF animation and the website content is important, as the GIF is supposed to be a background visual and shouldn’t distract the reader from the content.

Once you choose the correct image, then it is necessary to place it on the page. Usually, this means ensuring that the image repeats along the X-axis and the Y-axis. If the image is small enough, this can create a very nice effect. For larger GIF’s, the image may become cut off at the edges of the browser window. The main points to consider when using free animated GIF backgrounds are:

• Use the correct image in relation to the content on the site
• Make sure the image is not too small and not too large
• Make sure the image is set to repeat vertically and horizontally in the page

Once these factors are set, the website will undoubtedly become a lot more interesting to read and look at. The GIF animation should compliment the look of the website, rather than detract from it. When done properly, the effect is quite pleasant.

Sources of Animated GIF’s

There are plenty of sources available on the Internet for animated GIF backgrounds. A Google search will usually turn up many options on the first three or four pages. In addition, there are sites dedicated solely to providing free animated GIF’s, such as:

• Gifs.net
• Best Animations
• Free Fever
• Animation Factory

These sites should set any would-be web designer on the way to designing an attractive website on whichever subject they are interested in and want to share with the public.