When you work in Google Slides, you’re looking for ways to make your presentations more interesting. Using a GIF is a great option! Let's learn how to add GIFs to Google Slides designs and do just that.
If you know how to put a GIF in Google Slides, you can command attention with more engaging slides. Let's learn in this tutorial how to insert a GIF into Google Slides (your own or even one you download.)
What Is a GIF? (And Why Should You Add One?)
A GIF is an image file that contains simple animations. Chances are, you’ve encountered them featuring funny photos or memes.
Keep in mind, a GIF isn’t a video but a moving photo. They can use actual images, or they may feature cartoon-style animations.
GIFs are becoming ever more popular. This is partly because of their presence on social media to share humorous messages. But they’re also valuable teaching tools - you can share ideas with a GIF in creative visual ways.
A GIF for Google Slides is the perfect companion for your presentation. They can serve many purposes. When you know how to put a GIF in Google Slides, you can:
- Lighten the mood by sharing a funny image. After all, there’s nothing like a silly cat meme to make an audience laugh.
- Share instructional steps. Imagine that you’re talking through an app’s user interface. You can show certain steps using GIFs, adding a visual element to your narration.
- Call attention to key details. For example, you can highlight an important point by placing an animated GIF arrow on your slide.
As you can see, the benefits of adding GIFs are numerous. And you’ll soon learn how to insert a GIF into Google Slides. When you do, you’ll find yourself in a new world of presentation creativity.
Can you insert a GIF into Google Slides? Absolutely. It’s a quick and easy process that you’ll use every time you need to make a winning slide deck. Let’s get started.
How to Add a GIF to Google Slides Designs
Can you insert a GIF into Google Slides? Absolutely. It only takes a few clicks. When you add GIFs, you’re enhancing the visual appeal of your slides.
The perfect way to share GIFs in Google Slides is to pair them with a premium template from Envato Elements. With thousands of Google Slides presentation templates to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect option.
In this tutorial, we’ll be working with the VIGO - Google Slides Template from Elements. This one includes over 100 modern slides, all ready to edit. Download the template to follow along.
Let’s work on slide #4 in the VIGO premium Google Slides template. This one features some custom text, as well as two images. This slide could still use a bit more visual interest. Why not add a GIF to it?
Envato Elements also has a large library of GIF designs. In our example, we’ll use the clipboard GIF included in the Flat Animated Icons pack. It’s one of the several stylish designs included in the icon collection.
Let’s learn how to put a gif in Google Slides using these two digital assets from Envato Elements.
1. Find the GIF on Your Computer
The first step is to find a GIF for Google Slides that you want to insert. You can import the GIF directly onto your slides. To get started, make sure that you’re working on the slide where you want to add a GIF. Again, we’ll use slide #4 in the VIGO Google Slides template deck here.
On the menu bar at the top of Google Slides, click on the Insert drop-down. You’ll see a list of options appear, with a wide array of media sources to choose from. The one you need is right at the top: Image. Hover your cursor over Image, and you’ll see additional choices. Click on Upload from Computer.
A file browser launches. In it, you can navigate to a GIF file stored on your computer. Here, we’ll use the Clipboard.gif file downloaded in the Flat Animated Icons pack. You’re ready to insert your GIF!
2. Insert a GIF Into a Google Slides Presentation Design
To add your GIF, click on the GIF file that you want to upload. Again, it’s Clipboard.gif in this example. With the GIF file selected, click Upload. In moments, Google Slides inserts the GIF you’ve chosen right onto your slide.
You’ve just learned how to add a GIF to Google Slides decks! As you can see, it’s amazingly easy. But your creative options don’t stop here.
3. Edit the GIF Design in Google Slides
With the GIF added, you can see it playing on your slide. You've got many choices available now to edit the GIF’s design. For example, you can move it into a new position on the slide. To do that, click and drag the GIF and place it into a new position.
See the blue squares around the border of the selected GIF? Those in the corners are handles that you can pull to resize the GIF image. Simply click and hold one, then pull with your cursor. You can instantly make the GIF larger or smaller to fit perfectly onto your slide.
Even more creative control lives on the Format Options menu. Keep in mind, this only appears when you've got the GIF selected. Click on Format Options, and you’ll see a sidebar open on the right. Three of the available options are especially useful when working with a GIF in Google Slides.
In the Size & Rotation group, you can enter in the exact dimensions for the GIF. You can lock the aspect ratio if desired to avoid distorting the shape and size of the image. You can also rotate the GIF by specifying an angle of rotation. Or, with a single click you can to rotate 90 degrees or flip the illustration.
In the Position group, you can precisely control where the GIF appears on the slide. Again, you can add measurements and control whether they're relative to the center or top left of the slide.
Finally, the Recolor group gives you fun style control over the colors of your GIF. On the Recolor drop-down, you’ll see a plethora of new color designs. Click on one, and you’ll see the new hues apply instantly to your selected GIF.
Just like that, you’ve learned how to insert a GIF into Google Slides. As you can see, it only takes a few clicks! Use a premium template, and pair it with Google Slides’ powerful features for perfect results.
5 Ideas/Tips for GIFs in Google Slides Presentation
You’ve seen how to add GIFs to Google Slides designs. With this skill, you’ll find yourself adding GIFs to every Google Slides presentation that you build! To ensure success, it pays to embrace these five ideas and tips:
1. Don’t Overuse
A GIF for Google Slides is a fun, powerful way to make slides more interesting. But you should always be careful about overusing GIFs.
Remember, these are moving images. If you've got too many on a slide, you’ll create a messy, cluttered layout. It won’t be visually appealing. In fact, it can distract your audience and disrupt the flow of your presentation.
Avoid using more than one GIF on a slide and try not to use GIFs on every slide. This preserves their effect without overuse.
2. Be Deliberate
Be intentional when you use GIFs. In essence, be sure that any GIF you use is relevant to the subject matter. Remember, a GIF isn’t a random design element to insert without thought. It should pair well with surrounding content and fit neatly into place.
For example, a funny GIF shouldn’t randomly feature on an important slide. GIFs aren’t meant to be distractions. They should help you clearly share your message with an audience.
3. Use GIFs to Highlight Key Points
It’s a good idea to use GIFs to call attention to your key points. This avoids the pitfall of distraction outlined above. It’s a smart use for GIFs. An animated pen or marker highlight is the perfect way to point audience focus to a specific detail.
Using GIFs to highlight key points, you can ensure that your audience stays focused on your big ideas. It’s a subtle, stylish way to keep them on track in a fun and creative fashion.
4. Reduce Words with GIFs
GIFs are a great way to declutter your slides. You’ll often find that you can cut out text elements on a slide and replace them with a GIF.
As a general rule, it’s a wise idea to avoid overly wordy slides. They’re confusing and cluttered. When you can, try to use a GIF in place of text. For example, a checklist GIF can replace an explanation of a checklist that you use.
5. Animate GIFs for Extra Effect
Want your GIF to pack even more visual appeal? Try animating it. GIFs play automatically, but you can animate how and when they appear on your slide.
With an animation applied to a GIF, you can trigger the GIF to appear on command by clicking. This lets you maximize the impact of the GIF.
Learn more about Google Slides animation options below:
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The Top Source for Engaging Google Slides Templates (With Unlimited Use)
As a creative, Envato Elements is your best friend. It’s the top source for stunning premium Google Slides templates. For a flat monthly rate, you get unlimited downloads of all of these templates. Plus, Elements includes fonts, music, stock photos, and so much more.
Elements is the best value for creatives in 2022. You can unlock unlimited creative potential. That's thanks to the templates and digital assets included in your subscription. Plus, you get access to GIF images that are perfect for Google Slides.
When you use Google Slides templates from Elements, you’ll enjoy benefits like:
- Premium styling. Each template is built by a creative expert. You (and your audience) will appreciate the studio-grade designs on each slide.
- Easy-to-edit layouts. With text and image placeholders, customizing slides is as easy as dragging and dropping. You can build sleek, elegant designs in moments.
- Design inspirations. With pre-built slide layouts, you don’t have to think of layouts by yourself.
As you can see, Elements is a creative powerhouse that you can’t afford to miss out on. Browse the vast library and join today!
You Just Learned How to Insert a GIF in Google Slides
Longing for motion in your presentation? You know now how to put a GIF in Google Slides to do just that. GIF for Google Slides additions might be what your presentation needs for more excitement.
Here's a challenge for you: open your last presentation, then add a GIF for Google Slides to it. Using the skills you learned about how to put a GIF in Google Slides, I'll bet your presentation will be one of your best ever.
Editorial Note: This post was initially published in November of 2018. It's been comprehensively updated by Andrew Childress. Andrew is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.
