Creating Animated GIF using Frames

Question

I would like to create an animated gif without using the 'tween' tool. Basically, I'd like to have an object move across the screen, stop at one point, perform a task (i.e., move arms/legs up and down in a 'jumping jack' style) and then continue on across the screen. I create the first frame then click on the 'duplicate frame' icon. In this frame I use the puppet warp feature to change the position of my object's arms/legs. Next, I duplicate the frame again and repeat the puppet warp process. Finally, I continue to duplicate the frames, moving the object 'x' spaces each frame until it finishes its journey across the screen.
Unfortunately, when I change the position of my object's legs/arms, it changes all of them across all frames. However, the program still allows the object to continue its journey across the screen.
Because of this, I have had to create separate jpg files for each and every one of the object position changes, then import each one with the 'place' tool into the layers and finally create frames from layers and save the gif that way.
Is there a way to do the above without having to create a separate jpg for each one?

Answer 1

Hi SweetFang,
If you're using the Puppet Warp tool, I may suggest you change your workflow. When you duplicate a frame, it doesn't necessarily duplicate the object that is being animated so each change you make will show up in every frame. Instead of duplicating frames to make your changes, try duplicating layers. It will be a good deal easier than saving out a .jpg for each image and then placing them in.
1. Create your background.
2. Create a new layer for the object you will animate. Position it how you want it to look in the first frame of your animation.
3. Now, duplicate the layer and use the puppet transform tool to make your first change.
4. Repeat this process: duplicate your most recent layer, make your change, duplicate your most recent layer, make your change, etc. (To keep your workspace clear you may want to make each previous layer invisible when you add a new one)
5. When you're completely finished, open your Animation panel (CS5) or Timeline panel (CS6) and in the flyout menu, choose Make Frames From Layers
This workflow is essentially what you're doing already, but you're duplicating layers instead of frames and then making the frames automatically.
Please let me know if this makes your project a little bit smoother.
Cheers,
Michael