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:
python
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
# After creating your GIF, check if it meets requirements
builder = GIFBuilder(width=128, height=128, fps=10)
# ... add your frames however you want ...
# Save and check size
info = 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:
python
from core.validators import check_slack_size
# Check if GIF meets size limits
passes, info = check_slack_size('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)
# Returns: (True/False, dict with size details)
Dimension validator:
python
from core.validators import validate_dimensions
# Check dimensions
passes, info = validate_dimensions(128, 128, is_emoji=True)
# Returns: (True/False, dict with dimension details)
Complete validation:
python
from core.validators import validate_gif, is_slack_ready
# Run all validations
all_pass, results = validate_gif('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)
# Or quick check
if 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
python
from templates.shake import create_shake_animation
# Shake an emoji
frames = create_shake_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '😱', 'size': 80},
num_frames=20,
shake_intensity=15,
direction='both' # or 'horizontal', 'vertical'
)
Bounce
python
from templates.bounce import create_bounce_animation
# Bounce a circle
frames = create_bounce_animation(
object_type='circle',
object_data={'radius': 40, 'color': (255, 100, 100)},
num_frames=30,
bounce_height=150
)
Spin / Rotate
python
from templates.spin import create_spin_animation, create_loading_spinner
# Clockwise spin
frames = create_spin_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '🔄', 'size': 100},
rotation_type='clockwise',
full_rotations=2
)
# Wobble rotation
frames = create_spin_animation(rotation_type='wobble', full_rotations=3)
# Loading spinner
frames = create_loading_spinner(spinner_type='dots')
Pulse / Heartbeat
python
from templates.pulse import create_pulse_animation, create_attention_pulse
# Smooth pulse
frames = 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 GIFs
frames = create_attention_pulse(emoji='⚠️', num_frames=20)
Fade
python
from templates.fade import create_fade_animation, create_crossfade
# Fade in
frames = create_fade_animation(fade_type='in')
# Fade out
frames = create_fade_animation(fade_type='out')
# Crossfade between two emojis
frames = create_crossfade(
object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 100},
object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 100}
)
Zoom
python
from templates.zoom import create_zoom_animation, create_explosion_zoom
# Zoom in dramatically
frames = create_zoom_animation(
zoom_type='in',
scale_range=(0.1, 2.0),
add_motion_blur=True
)
# Zoom out
frames = create_zoom_animation(zoom_type='out')
# Explosion zoom
frames = create_explosion_zoom(emoji='💥')
Explode / Shatter
python
from templates.explode import create_explode_animation, create_particle_burst
# Burst explosion
frames = create_explode_animation(
explode_type='burst',
num_pieces=25
)
# Shatter effect
frames = create_explode_animation(explode_type='shatter')
# Dissolve into particles
frames = create_explode_animation(explode_type='dissolve')
# Particle burst
frames = create_particle_burst(particle_count=30)
Wiggle / Jiggle
python
from templates.wiggle import create_wiggle_animation, create_excited_wiggle
# Jello wobble
frames = create_wiggle_animation(
wiggle_type='jello',
intensity=1.0,
cycles=2
)
# Wave motion
frames = create_wiggle_animation(wiggle_type='wave')
# Excited wiggle for emoji GIFs
frames = create_excited_wiggle(emoji='🎉')
Slide
python
from templates.slide import create_slide_animation, create_multi_slide
# Slide in from left with overshoot
frames = create_slide_animation(
direction='left',
slide_type='in',
overshoot=True
)
# Slide across
frames = create_slide_animation(direction='left', slide_type='across')
# Multiple objects sliding in sequence
objects = [
{'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
python
from templates.flip import create_flip_animation, create_quick_flip
# Horizontal flip between two emojis
frames = create_flip_animation(
object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 120},
object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 120},
flip_axis='horizontal'
)
# Vertical flip
frames = create_flip_animation(flip_axis='vertical')
# Quick flip for emoji GIFs
frames = create_quick_flip('👍', '👎')
Morph / Transform
python
from templates.morph import create_morph_animation, create_reaction_morph
# Crossfade morph
frames = 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
python
from templates.move import create_move_animation
# Linear movement
frames = 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 movement
frames = 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 movement
frames = create_move_animation(
motion_type='wave',
motion_params={
'wave_amplitude': 50,
'wave_frequency': 2
}
)
# Or use low-level easing functions
from core.easing import interpolate, calculate_arc_motion
for 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
python
from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_kaleidoscope, create_kaleidoscope_animation
# Apply to a single frame
kaleido_frame = apply_kaleidoscope(frame, segments=8)
# Or create animated kaleidoscope
frames = create_kaleidoscope_animation(
base_frame=my_frame, # or None for demo pattern
num_frames=30,
segments=8,
rotation_speed=1.0
)
# Simple mirror effects (faster)
from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_simple_mirror
mirrored = apply_simple_mirror(frame, mode='quad') # 4-way mirror
# modes: 'horizontal', 'vertical', 'quad', 'radial'
To compose primitives freely, follow these patterns:
python
# Example: Bounce + shake for impact
for i in range(num_frames):
frame = create_blank_frame(480, 480, bg_color)
# Bounce motion
t_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) * 10
x = center_x + shake_x
else:
x = center_x
draw_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)
python
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
# Create builder with your chosen settings
builder = GIFBuilder(width=480, height=480, fps=20)
# Add frames (however you created them)
for frame in my_frames:
builder.add_frame(frame)
# Save with optimization
builder.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:
python
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'], # 60px
text_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:
python
from core.color_palettes import get_palette
# Get a pre-made palette
palette = 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:
python
from core.visual_effects import ParticleSystem, create_impact_flash, create_shockwave_rings
# Particle system
particles = ParticleSystem()
particles.emit_sparkles(x=240, y=200, count=15)
particles.emit_confetti(x=240, y=200, count=20)
# Update and render each frame
particles.update()
particles.render(frame)
# Flash effect
frame = create_impact_flash(frame, position=(240, 200), radius=100)
# Shockwave rings
frame = create_shockwave_rings(frame, position=(240, 200), radii=[30, 60, 90])
Easing Functions
Smooth motion uses easing instead of linear interpolation:
python
from core.easing import interpolate
# Object falling (accelerates)
y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='ease_in')