Create Animated GIFs in Canva for a Standout Brand

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer
16 May 2025

Master the art of creating animated GIFs to make your brand pop online! These dynamic visuals are perfect for Instagram Stories, websites, emails, and beyond. Whether you're a designer or not, this step-by-step guide will help you create your own branded, transparent GIFs in Canva. Let's dive in!

Why Create Animated GIFs?

Animated GIFs add a touch of fun and engagement to your brand's online presence. They are perfect for capturing attention and convey a message quickly. In this practical tutorial, you'll learn how to design eye-catching GIFs using Canva.

1. Setup Your Canva Workspace

  • Open Canva: Start a new design using any size you prefer. An Instagram post size is a good starting point.
  • Toggle View: Switch to thumbnail view for easier navigation between frames.

2. Design Your First Animated GIF

  • Create Text-based GIF: Insert a text box and input a phrase that resonates with your brand. Adjust the text size, spacing, and colour to your liking.
  • Add Movement: Duplicate your page, slightly altering elements (like colours or size) on each page to create the animated effect.

3. Enhance Your Design

  • Outline Effects: Use Canva's effects to add outlines or shadow effects for a sticker-like appearance.

4. Prepare for Export

  • Resize Your Layout: Ensure your design occupies the central portion of the canvas to avoid unwanted margins.
  • Resize Design: Use Canva Pro's resize option to trim extra spaces.

5. Export Your GIF

  • Timing Settings: Select all frames, then set the timing to 0.2 seconds for a smooth animation.
  • Download Your GIF: Choose the GIF format with a transparent background selected. For transparent GIFs, Canva Pro subscription is required.

6. Experiment with Photos and Videos

  • Use Photos for GIFs: Insert sequential photos and align them for a smooth transition. Adjust as required for personal spice.
  • Integrate Videos: Trim and edit short vertical clips, making use of Canva’s background remover for clean results.

7. Create a Logo Animation

  • Logo GIFs: Refresh your logo by animating its various elements, bringing life to your brand's identity.
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8. Use Your GIFs Effectively

  • Platforms to Consider: GIFs are perfect for social media, email headers, and websites. For Instagram posts, convert GIFs to MP4 for compatibility.

9. Instagram Integration

  • Share on Stories: When adding GIFs to Instagram Stories, use a video background rather than a static image. Copy your GIF from your camera roll and paste it onto a video recording for successful animation display.

Start your own GIF collection today and let your brand’s personality shine through these vibrant animations! Whether you're making playful sticker texts or dynamic logo animations, animated GIFs can transform how your brand interacts with its audience.

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer