How to Put a GIF in Movie Maker

By Everett Published July 13, 2023

Are you looking to add some flair and animation to your videos? GIFs are a great way to inject creativity and humor into your video projects. If you're using Movie Maker, a popular video editing software, you'll be delighted to know that it's easy to include GIFs in your videos. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of incorporating GIFs into your Movie Maker projects seamlessly.

Step 1: Install Movie Maker

Before we begin, make sure you have Movie Maker installed on your computer. If you don't have it yet, you can download and install it from the official Microsoft website. Once the installation is complete, launch the application and let's get started!

Step 2: Import Your Video

Start by opening Movie Maker and importing the video file you want to edit. Click on the "Home" tab, then select "Add videos and photos." Choose the video you wish to edit from your computer's file explorer and click "Open." The video will now appear in the storyboard at the bottom of the window.

Step 3: Locate Your Desired GIF

Now, it's time to find the perfect GIF to include in your video. There are numerous websites where you can find GIFs, such as GIPHY or Tenor. Browse through their vast collections and select the GIF that matches the mood and tone of your video project. Once you find the ideal GIF, right-click on it and choose "Save image as" to save it to your computer.

Step 4: Import the GIF into Movie Maker

To insert the GIF into your video, go back to Movie Maker and click on the "Home" tab. Select "Add videos and photos" again, but this time choose the GIF you saved on your computer. Click "Open," and the GIF will appear in the storyboard alongside your video.

Step 5: Adjust the GIF's Duration

By default, the GIF will appear as a static image in your video. However, you can make it come alive by adjusting its duration. Click on the GIF in the storyboard to select it, then click on the "Video Tools" tab at the top of the window. Under the "Editing" section, you'll find the "Duration" box. Enter the desired duration for your GIF in seconds, ensuring it syncs well with the rest of your video.

Step 6: Customize the GIF's Placement and Size

To enhance the visual appeal of your video, you can change the placement and size of the GIF. Click on the GIF in the storyboard and select the "Video Tools" tab. Under the "Size" section, you can adjust the width and height of the GIF by entering specific values or dragging the handles in the preview window. To change the GIF's position, click on the "Position" dropdown and choose from options like "Center," "Top left," or "Bottom right."

Step 7: Add Transitions and Effects (Optional)

To create a smooth transition between your video and the GIF, you can apply various effects and transitions. Click on the "Animations" tab and browse through the available options. Experiment with different effects to find the one that complements your video the best. Additionally, you can add transitions between clips or before and after the GIF by selecting the desired clips and choosing an appropriate transition from the "Video Tools" tab.

Step 8: Preview and Save Your Video

Before finalizing your video, take a moment to preview it and make any necessary adjustments. Click on the "Play" button in the preview window to see how the GIF integrates with your video. If everything looks great, click on the "File" tab, select "Save movie," and choose the appropriate output format and quality for your needs. Name your video and select a location to save it on your computer. Click "Save," and Movie Maker will render and save your video with the embedded GIF.

Congratulations! You have successfully added a GIF to your video using Movie Maker. Now you can share your animated masterpiece with friends, family, or your online audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any GIF with Movie Maker?

Yes, you can use any GIF you find online or create your own to incorporate into your Movie Maker projects.

Can I adjust the GIF's position and size in Movie Maker?

Absolutely! Movie Maker allows you to customize the placement and size of the GIF to suit your video's needs.

Are there any recommended websites to find GIFs?

Some popular websites to find GIFs include GIPHY, Tenor, and Imgur. They have extensive collections to choose from.

Can I apply effects or transitions to the GIF in Movie Maker?

Yes, Movie Maker provides a range of effects and transitions that you can apply to the GIF, enhancing its integration with your video.

Can I use Movie Maker on Mac computers?

Unfortunately, Movie Maker is a Windows-exclusive software. Mac users can explore alternatives like iMovie for similar video editing capabilities.