Open the Timeline and Layers panels by selecting Window > Timeline and Window > Layers.
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Smart objects
- Smart Objects - overview and benefits
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- Filter the Layers panel by Smart Objects
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Remove objects and fill space
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Brushes and presets
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Add video and animation
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Create animation frames
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Create animation frames
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Create frame-based animations
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Create frame-by-frame animations by configuring layers in different positions, opacities, or styles for each frame in Adobe Photoshop.
Frame-based animations in Photoshop allow you to create simple animated content by building a sequence of frames, with each frame representing a different configuration of your layers. This technique is ideal for creating animated GIFs for web content, social media posts, or simple motion graphics.
Frame animations work by displaying a sequence of frames in order, creating the illusion of movement. Unlike timeline animations that use keyframes and automatic interpolation, frame animations give you precise control over each individual frame. This workflow is best suited for simple animations with distinct states rather than complex, fluid movements.
Select the down arrow icon in the middle of the Timeline panel, and select Create Frame Animation.
Add a new layer or convert the background layer to a regular layer.
Add content to your animation. If your animation includes several objects that move independently or if you want to change the color or content in different frames, create these objects on separate layers.
Add a new frame by selecting the Duplicate Selected Frames icon at the bottom of the Timeline panel.
Select the new frame in the Timeline panel and modify the layers for this frame in the Layers panel. You can turn visibility on or off for different layers, change layer positions, adjust opacity to create fade effects, or modify layer styles.
Continue adding frames and editing layers as needed. Add as many frames as your animation requires. The number of frames is only limited by your system's available memory.
Set the time for each frame by selecting the delay time (shown under each frame) and select a duration from the dropdown menu.
Set looping options by selecting Once, Forever, or Other from the Select looping options dropdown menu at the bottom of the Timeline panel.
Select the Play icon in the Timeline panel to preview your animation.
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