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How do I export an animation timeline in Photoshop?

Published in Photoshop Animation 3 mins read

To export your animation timeline in Photoshop, navigate to the "File" menu, then select "Export," and choose either "Render Video..." or "Save for Web (Legacy)..." depending on your desired output.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Render Video: This option is ideal for creating high-quality video files. Go to File > Export > Render Video. A dialogue box will appear with the following options:

    • Name: Choose a name for your exported video file.
    • Location: Select the folder where you want to save the video. You can also create a new subfolder within that location.
    • Adobe Media Encoder: This setting determines which encoder to use. Ensure it's installed.
    • Format: Select a video format (e.g., H.264, QuickTime). H.264 is a widely supported format for general use.
    • Preset: Choose a preset (e.g., High Quality, YouTube 1080p HD). These presets offer optimized settings for different platforms and quality levels.
    • Size: Adjust the width and height of the video, if necessary.
    • Frame Rate: Specify the number of frames per second (fps) for the video. 24 or 30 fps are common choices.
    • Range: Determine the portion of the timeline to render (e.g., Entire Animation, Work Area).
    • Click "Render" to start the export process.

  • Save for Web (Legacy): This option is suitable for creating animated GIFs, which are smaller in size and ideal for web use. This also includes a wide range of image formats such as JPG, PNG, WEBP, and more. Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). A dialogue box will appear with the following options:

    • Preset: Select a preset (e.g., GIF 128 Dithered). Experiment with different presets to find the best balance between quality and file size.
    • Colors: Adjust the number of colors in the GIF. Fewer colors will result in a smaller file size.
    • Dithering: Dithering helps to smooth out color transitions.
    • Transparency: Enable transparency if your animation requires it.
    • Lopping Options: Configure how the animation loops (e.g., Once, Forever).
    • Click "Save" to export the animated GIF.

The best choice will depend on how you intend to use your animation. If you're creating a video for YouTube or other video platforms, "Render Video" is the preferred option. If you're creating a small, looping animation for a website, "Save for Web (Legacy)" and exporting as a GIF is a good choice.

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