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Sprites, Pixels and Animated GIFs

Tiny pictures & animations for use in web pages, emails and online forums


Properties of GIF files

A GIF (Graphical Interchange Format - copyrighted by Compuserve -also GIF89) is an older format for graphics on the web - as opposed to JPEGs and PNG. 

GIFs are limited in the number of colours they can represent making them unsuitable for photos, and at larger dimensions they take up more file space than JPEGs.  They still have a role on the web is still as buttons because of a transparency element - which allows them to be used against any background. 

All of the graphics below - as with many other web page elements are restricted to rectangular frames:- 

The treasure graphic appears as:Its background is invisible or "transparent".

Originally it appeared like this:

The specific shade of green used in the background was then assigned the role as a transparent colour in a graphics editing program.

Do not be fooled! - It's still occupies a rectangle in area: 

Note: This can create design problems when GIFs are made into buttons or links - there are many ways around this (not discussed here).

Animation?

Animated GIFs are still GIF files, but they contain several images like a children's cartoon flip book.  The size of the file can by greatly increased by the number of the images.  The fun with animated GIFs is to create simple repeating graphics, like bullet points which sparkle, dogs which nod and so on.  These can be prepared in a variety of programs (including internet freeware) - usually requiring the preparation of each image which is then dropped into a "frame".  The frames are then compiled to make up a cartoon sequence.  The speed and "looping" of the animation can also be controlled.

GIFs in Action

Here are some very quick examples of my own exploration into the world of GIFs and small pixel art for use in web pages, more specifically, in this case, on a forum where a fantasy theme of goblins and fairies prevails.

 

 
Eye Monster

Rusty the Dragon

Goblin
Treasure
 

Fairy
(actual size)

Fairy (200%)

Goblins
-a bashin'

Goblins
(200%)

Goblins (400%)
 

Hurling Axe of the Minotaur

 

Fun, eh?  Hee hee.   Go my goblins, go!  (They never tire!) 

Thanks for reading. - W. x

 

Images on this page were prepared in Paint Shop Pro and JASC Animator.  Similar results can be applied with much simpler art programs and free gif animation programs available on the web.  This web page was very quickly put together in using basic functions the Front Page editor (as an example for friends learning the Front Page software).

William Meddis - April 2005.

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