I have been making some webpages lately. I have been using straight HTML code with no code generator, Adobe Photo Deluxe to crop and adjust digital photos, and MS Power Point to create GIF images. I create a slide with the image I want, then save the slide as a GIF image. I have been noticing several software packages, one of which is Microsoft GIF Maker. Will it do a better job than what I have been using? Is it worth the cost? Can it do other things as well, such as assist in home computer publishing? Could some of you out there who are familiar with MS GIF Maker or other packages pls let me know?
I am not familiar with it specifically, but most gif makers give you control over animation, allowing you to make individual frames and combine them, maybe even have some basic motion and transparency animation tools included, and allows you to adjust the framerate. Oh, and would optimise them so they’re quite low filesize, allowing you to adjust number of colours etc.
So if that’s what you intend to make, then they’re useful. If all you’re going to do is make non-animated gifs, then you’ll be fine without anything fancy.
Sounds like you’ve found an acceptable way to make gifs – I wouldn’t bother spending money unnecessarily.
A small tip – if it’s photos you’re putting on your website, using PhotoDeluxe to create .jpgs might be a better idea than making gifs anyway.