Skill v1.0.1
currentLLM-judged scan95/1002 files
version: "1.0.1" name: slack-gif-creator description: >- Toolkit for creating animated GIFs optimized for Slack, with validators for size constraints and composable animation primitives. This skill applies when users request animated GIFs or emoji animations for Slack from descriptions like "make me a GIF for Slack of X doing Y". metadata: category: creative-media source: repository: 'https://github.com/ComposioHQ/awesome-claude-skills' path: slack-gif-creator license_path: slack-gif-creator/LICENSE.txt commit: 92568c1edaff1bde5371154f036d959346c145a8
Slack GIF Creator - Flexible Toolkit
A toolkit for creating animated GIFs optimized for Slack. Provides validators for Slack's constraints, composable animation primitives, and optional helper utilities. Apply these tools however needed to achieve the creative vision.
Slack's Requirements
Slack has specific requirements for GIFs based on their use:
Message GIFs:
- Max size: ~2MB
- Optimal dimensions: 480x480
- Typical FPS: 15-20
- Color limit: 128-256
- Duration: 2-5s
Emoji GIFs:
- Max size: 64KB (strict limit)
- Optimal dimensions: 128x128
- Typical FPS: 10-12
- Color limit: 32-48
- Duration: 1-2s
Emoji GIFs are challenging - the 64KB limit is strict. Strategies that help:
- Limit to 10-15 frames total
- Use 32-48 colors maximum
- Keep designs simple
- Avoid gradients
- Validate file size frequently
Toolkit Structure
This skill provides three types of tools:
- Validators - Check if a GIF meets Slack's requirements
- Animation Primitives - Composable building blocks for motion (shake, bounce, move, kaleidoscope)
- Helper Utilities - Optional functions for common needs (text, colors, effects)
Complete creative freedom is available in how these tools are applied.
Core Validators
To ensure a GIF meets Slack's constraints, use these validators:
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder# After creating your GIF, check if it meets requirementsbuilder = GIFBuilder(width=128, height=128, fps=10)# ... add your frames however you want ...# Save and check sizeinfo = builder.save('emoji.gif', num_colors=48, optimize_for_emoji=True)# The save method automatically warns if file exceeds limits# info dict contains: size_kb, size_mb, frame_count, duration_seconds
File size validator:
from core.validators import check_slack_size# Check if GIF meets size limitspasses, info = check_slack_size('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)# Returns: (True/False, dict with size details)
Dimension validator:
from core.validators import validate_dimensions# Check dimensionspasses, info = validate_dimensions(128, 128, is_emoji=True)# Returns: (True/False, dict with dimension details)
Complete validation:
from core.validators import validate_gif, is_slack_ready# Run all validationsall_pass, results = validate_gif('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)# Or quick checkif is_slack_ready('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True):print("Ready to upload!")
Animation Primitives
These are composable building blocks for motion. Apply these to any object in any combination:
Shake
from templates.shake import create_shake_animation# Shake an emojiframes = create_shake_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '😱', 'size': 80},num_frames=20,shake_intensity=15,direction='both' # or 'horizontal', 'vertical')
Bounce
from templates.bounce import create_bounce_animation# Bounce a circleframes = create_bounce_animation(object_type='circle',object_data={'radius': 40, 'color': (255, 100, 100)},num_frames=30,bounce_height=150)
Spin / Rotate
from templates.spin import create_spin_animation, create_loading_spinner# Clockwise spinframes = create_spin_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '🔄', 'size': 100},rotation_type='clockwise',full_rotations=2)# Wobble rotationframes = create_spin_animation(rotation_type='wobble', full_rotations=3)# Loading spinnerframes = create_loading_spinner(spinner_type='dots')
Pulse / Heartbeat
from templates.pulse import create_pulse_animation, create_attention_pulse# Smooth pulseframes = create_pulse_animation(object_data={'emoji': '❤️', 'size': 100},pulse_type='smooth',scale_range=(0.8, 1.2))# Heartbeat (double-pump)frames = create_pulse_animation(pulse_type='heartbeat')# Attention pulse for emoji GIFsframes = create_attention_pulse(emoji='⚠️', num_frames=20)
Fade
from templates.fade import create_fade_animation, create_crossfade# Fade inframes = create_fade_animation(fade_type='in')# Fade outframes = create_fade_animation(fade_type='out')# Crossfade between two emojisframes = create_crossfade(object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 100},object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 100})
Zoom
from templates.zoom import create_zoom_animation, create_explosion_zoom# Zoom in dramaticallyframes = create_zoom_animation(zoom_type='in',scale_range=(0.1, 2.0),add_motion_blur=True)# Zoom outframes = create_zoom_animation(zoom_type='out')# Explosion zoomframes = create_explosion_zoom(emoji='💥')
Explode / Shatter
from templates.explode import create_explode_animation, create_particle_burst# Burst explosionframes = create_explode_animation(explode_type='burst',num_pieces=25)# Shatter effectframes = create_explode_animation(explode_type='shatter')# Dissolve into particlesframes = create_explode_animation(explode_type='dissolve')# Particle burstframes = create_particle_burst(particle_count=30)
Wiggle / Jiggle
from templates.wiggle import create_wiggle_animation, create_excited_wiggle# Jello wobbleframes = create_wiggle_animation(wiggle_type='jello',intensity=1.0,cycles=2)# Wave motionframes = create_wiggle_animation(wiggle_type='wave')# Excited wiggle for emoji GIFsframes = create_excited_wiggle(emoji='🎉')
Slide
from templates.slide import create_slide_animation, create_multi_slide# Slide in from left with overshootframes = create_slide_animation(direction='left',slide_type='in',overshoot=True)# Slide acrossframes = create_slide_animation(direction='left', slide_type='across')# Multiple objects sliding in sequenceobjects = [{'data': {'emoji': '🎯', 'size': 60}, 'direction': 'left', 'final_pos': (120, 240)},{'data': {'emoji': '🎪', 'size': 60}, 'direction': 'right', 'final_pos': (240, 240)}]frames = create_multi_slide(objects, stagger_delay=5)
Flip
from templates.flip import create_flip_animation, create_quick_flip# Horizontal flip between two emojisframes = create_flip_animation(object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 120},object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 120},flip_axis='horizontal')# Vertical flipframes = create_flip_animation(flip_axis='vertical')# Quick flip for emoji GIFsframes = create_quick_flip('👍', '👎')
Morph / Transform
from templates.morph import create_morph_animation, create_reaction_morph# Crossfade morphframes = create_morph_animation(object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 100},object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 100},morph_type='crossfade')# Scale morph (shrink while other grows)frames = create_morph_animation(morph_type='scale')# Spin morph (3D flip-like)frames = create_morph_animation(morph_type='spin_morph')
Move Effect
from templates.move import create_move_animation# Linear movementframes = create_move_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '🚀', 'size': 60},start_pos=(50, 240),end_pos=(430, 240),motion_type='linear',easing='ease_out')# Arc movement (parabolic trajectory)frames = create_move_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '⚽', 'size': 60},start_pos=(50, 350),end_pos=(430, 350),motion_type='arc',motion_params={'arc_height': 150})# Circular movementframes = create_move_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '🌍', 'size': 50},motion_type='circle',motion_params={'center': (240, 240),'radius': 120,'angle_range': 360 # full circle})# Wave movementframes = create_move_animation(motion_type='wave',motion_params={'wave_amplitude': 50,'wave_frequency': 2})# Or use low-level easing functionsfrom core.easing import interpolate, calculate_arc_motionfor i in range(num_frames):t = i / (num_frames - 1)x = interpolate(start_x, end_x, t, easing='ease_out')# Or: x, y = calculate_arc_motion(start, end, height, t)
Kaleidoscope Effect
from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_kaleidoscope, create_kaleidoscope_animation# Apply to a single framekaleido_frame = apply_kaleidoscope(frame, segments=8)# Or create animated kaleidoscopeframes = create_kaleidoscope_animation(base_frame=my_frame, # or None for demo patternnum_frames=30,segments=8,rotation_speed=1.0)# Simple mirror effects (faster)from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_simple_mirrormirrored = apply_simple_mirror(frame, mode='quad') # 4-way mirror# modes: 'horizontal', 'vertical', 'quad', 'radial'
To compose primitives freely, follow these patterns:
# Example: Bounce + shake for impactfor i in range(num_frames):frame = create_blank_frame(480, 480, bg_color)# Bounce motiont_bounce = i / (num_frames - 1)y = interpolate(start_y, ground_y, t_bounce, 'bounce_out')# Add shake on impact (when y reaches ground)if y >= ground_y - 5:shake_x = math.sin(i * 2) * 10x = center_x + shake_xelse:x = center_xdraw_emoji(frame, '⚽', (x, y), size=60)builder.add_frame(frame)
Helper Utilities
These are optional helpers for common needs. Use, modify, or replace these with custom implementations as needed.
GIF Builder (Assembly & Optimization)
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder# Create builder with your chosen settingsbuilder = GIFBuilder(width=480, height=480, fps=20)# Add frames (however you created them)for frame in my_frames:builder.add_frame(frame)# Save with optimizationbuilder.save('output.gif',num_colors=128,optimize_for_emoji=False)
Key features:
- Automatic color quantization
- Duplicate frame removal
- Size warnings for Slack limits
- Emoji mode (aggressive optimization)
Text Rendering
For small GIFs like emojis, text readability is challenging. A common solution involves adding outlines:
from core.typography import draw_text_with_outline, TYPOGRAPHY_SCALE# Text with outline (helps readability)draw_text_with_outline(frame, "BONK!",position=(240, 100),font_size=TYPOGRAPHY_SCALE['h1'], # 60pxtext_color=(255, 68, 68),outline_color=(0, 0, 0),outline_width=4,centered=True)
To implement custom text rendering, use PIL's ImageDraw.text() which works fine for larger GIFs.
Color Management
Professional-looking GIFs often use cohesive color palettes:
from core.color_palettes import get_palette# Get a pre-made palettepalette = get_palette('vibrant') # or 'pastel', 'dark', 'neon', 'professional'bg_color = palette['background']text_color = palette['primary']accent_color = palette['accent']
To work with colors directly, use RGB tuples - whatever works for the use case.
Visual Effects
Optional effects for impact moments:
from core.visual_effects import ParticleSystem, create_impact_flash, create_shockwave_rings# Particle systemparticles = ParticleSystem()particles.emit_sparkles(x=240, y=200, count=15)particles.emit_confetti(x=240, y=200, count=20)# Update and render each frameparticles.update()particles.render(frame)# Flash effectframe = create_impact_flash(frame, position=(240, 200), radius=100)# Shockwave ringsframe = create_shockwave_rings(frame, position=(240, 200), radii=[30, 60, 90])
Easing Functions
Smooth motion uses easing instead of linear interpolation:
from core.easing import interpolate# Object falling (accelerates)y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='ease_in')# Object landing (decelerates)y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='ease_out')# Bouncingy = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='bounce_out')# Overshoot (elastic)scale = interpolate(start=0.5, end=1.0, t=progress, easing='elastic_out')
Available easings: linear, ease_in, ease_out, ease_in_out, bounce_out, elastic_out, back_out (overshoot), and more in core/easing.py.
Frame Composition
Basic drawing utilities if you need them:
from core.frame_composer import (create_gradient_background, # Gradient backgroundsdraw_emoji_enhanced, # Emoji with optional shadowdraw_circle_with_shadow, # Shapes with depthdraw_star # 5-pointed stars)# Gradient backgroundframe = create_gradient_background(480, 480, top_color, bottom_color)# Emoji with shadowdraw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🎉', position=(200, 200), size=80, shadow=True)
Optimization Strategies
When your GIF is too large:
For Message GIFs (>2MB):
- Reduce frames (lower FPS or shorter duration)
- Reduce colors (128 → 64 colors)
- Reduce dimensions (480x480 → 320x320)
- Enable duplicate frame removal
For Emoji GIFs (>64KB) - be aggressive:
- Limit to 10-12 frames total
- Use 32-40 colors maximum
- Avoid gradients (solid colors compress better)
- Simplify design (fewer elements)
- Use
optimize_for_emoji=Truein save method
Example Composition Patterns
Simple Reaction (Pulsing)
builder = GIFBuilder(128, 128, 10)for i in range(12):frame = Image.new('RGB', (128, 128), (240, 248, 255))# Pulsing scalescale = 1.0 + math.sin(i * 0.5) * 0.15size = int(60 * scale)draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '😱', position=(64-size//2, 64-size//2),size=size, shadow=False)builder.add_frame(frame)builder.save('reaction.gif', num_colors=40, optimize_for_emoji=True)# Validatefrom core.validators import check_slack_sizecheck_slack_size('reaction.gif', is_emoji=True)
Action with Impact (Bounce + Flash)
builder = GIFBuilder(480, 480, 20)# Phase 1: Object fallsfor i in range(15):frame = create_gradient_background(480, 480, (240, 248, 255), (200, 230, 255))t = i / 14y = interpolate(0, 350, t, 'ease_in')draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '⚽', position=(220, int(y)), size=80)builder.add_frame(frame)# Phase 2: Impact + flashfor i in range(8):frame = create_gradient_background(480, 480, (240, 248, 255), (200, 230, 255))# Flash on first framesif i < 3:frame = create_impact_flash(frame, (240, 350), radius=120, intensity=0.6)draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '⚽', position=(220, 350), size=80)# Text appearsif i > 2:draw_text_with_outline(frame, "GOAL!", position=(240, 150),font_size=60, text_color=(255, 68, 68),outline_color=(0, 0, 0), outline_width=4, centered=True)builder.add_frame(frame)builder.save('goal.gif', num_colors=128)
Combining Primitives (Move + Shake)
from templates.shake import create_shake_animation# Create shake animationshake_frames = create_shake_animation(object_type='emoji',object_data={'emoji': '😰', 'size': 70},num_frames=20,shake_intensity=12)# Create moving element that triggers the shakebuilder = GIFBuilder(480, 480, 20)for i in range(40):t = i / 39if i < 20:# Before trigger - use blank frame with moving objectframe = create_blank_frame(480, 480, (255, 255, 255))x = interpolate(50, 300, t * 2, 'linear')draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🚗', position=(int(x), 300), size=60)draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '😰', position=(350, 200), size=70)else:# After trigger - use shake frameframe = shake_frames[i - 20]# Add the car in final positiondraw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🚗', position=(300, 300), size=60)builder.add_frame(frame)builder.save('scare.gif')
Philosophy
This toolkit provides building blocks, not rigid recipes. To work with a GIF request:
- Understand the creative vision - What should happen? What's the mood?
- Design the animation - Break it into phases (anticipation, action, reaction)
- Apply primitives as needed - Shake, bounce, move, effects - mix freely
- Validate constraints - Check file size, especially for emoji GIFs
- Iterate if needed - Reduce frames/colors if over size limits
The goal is creative freedom within Slack's technical constraints.
Dependencies
To use this toolkit, install these dependencies only if they aren't already present:
pip install pillow imageio numpy