ANIMATED FLAMES

Software: Ulead PhotoImpact 8 and Gif Animator 5

Skill Level:  Advanced

Featured Tools:
Particle Gallery

Additional Tools:
None.

Note:  Create animated flames using PhotoImpact 8 and Gif Animator 5.

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This tutorial will instruct you on how to create animated flames using the Particle Smoke Effect in PhotoImpact and Gif Animator 5.

Open a canvas 150 x 150.   It's advisable to keep the canvas size relatively small as the file size can become quite huge.  Fill the canvas with the color black.

Go to Effect, Creative, Particle Effect.  Choose the particle effect "Smoke".  This animation will consist of only four frames.  So the first thing we'll do is put 4 in the Key Frame Control panel.

The Effect Controls we will leave at their default settings.  The only thing we'll be changing in each frame are the Particle parameters and repositioning the smoke. 

In the Key frame control panel, make sure you are on 1 (1/4).  Use the settings shown below.

Make sure all boxes underneath Particle parameters is unchecked. If Repeat is checked, uncheck it.

Now position the smoke down as shown in the screenshot below. 

You'll notice when you're repositioning the smoke particles, the controls in Effect and Particle parameters "disappear".  By clicking on the canvas they will be reactivated.   Once you've positioned the smoke to where you want it click onto frame 2 and repeat the steps above. Use the same settings in Particle parameters shown above.  Repeat this until you've completed all 4 frames.

Preview your animation by clicking on the arrow button in the Key Frame Control panel.  Make sure the loop button is checked.

Once satisfied with your animation, click on OK/Save Animation File And Create New Object.  When the Save As dialogue box opens, put a check in the Open With Ulead Gif Animator box.  Put 15 in the Frame Delay box.

Gif Animator 5 opens with your animation which should consist of the 4 frames with Frame 1 highlighted.

To add some color to your flames, go to Object, New Blank Object.  Fill the blank object with an orange red color #C23A18.  With the Order tool, click on the Send to Back arrow.  You can also drag this down in the Object Manager Panel.  To put this background behind the remaining three frames, click on Frame, Synchronize Objects Across Frames.  Make sure Active Objects Only is checked and make sure your flame colored background is active in the Object Manager.  In Apply the Following Attributes, make sure X and Y-offset are checked as well as Visibility.  Apply to "All Frames".  Click OK.   The flame background is now behind all four of your frames.

Frame 1 should still be highlighted.  Double click on it in your workspace and in the Object Properties box, change the Merge mode from "Always" to "Multiply".  Repeat this for the remaining three frames. 

Click on the Optimize tab.   Set the number of colors to 100 and dither to 50.  This cut my optimization down 30,000 bytes.  View the animation with your browser and with the play button.   Once satisfied with your results, click save.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial.

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