Toolkit for creating animated GIFs optimized for Slack, with validators for size constraints and composable animation primitives. This skill applies when users request animated GIFs or emoji animations for Slack from descriptions like "make me a GIF for Slack of X doing Y".
A toolkit for creating animated GIFs optimized for Slack. Provides validators for Slack's constraints, composable animation primitives, and optional helper utilities. Apply these tools however needed to achieve the creative vision.
Slack has specific requirements for GIFs based on their use:
Message GIFs:
Emoji GIFs:
Emoji GIFs are challenging - the 64KB limit is strict. Strategies that help:
This skill provides three types of tools:
Complete creative freedom is available in how these tools are applied.
To ensure a GIF meets Slack's constraints, use these validators:
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
# After creating your GIF, check if it meets requirements
builder = GIFBuilder(width=128, height=128, fps=10)
# ... add your frames however you want ...
# Save and check size
info = builder.save('emoji.gif', num_colors=48, optimize_for_emoji=True)
# The save method automatically warns if file exceeds limits
# info dict contains: size_kb, size_mb, frame_count, duration_seconds
File size validator:
from core.validators import check_slack_size
# Check if GIF meets size limits
passes, info = check_slack_size('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)
# Returns: (True/False, dict with size details)
Dimension validator:
from core.validators import validate_dimensions
# Check dimensions
passes, info = validate_dimensions(128, 128, is_emoji=True)
# Returns: (True/False, dict with dimension details)
Complete validation:
from core.validators import validate_gif, is_slack_ready
# Run all validations
all_pass, results = validate_gif('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True)
# Or quick check
if is_slack_ready('emoji.gif', is_emoji=True):
print("Ready to upload!")
These are composable building blocks for motion. Apply these to any object in any combination:
from templates.shake import create_shake_animation
# Shake an emoji
frames = create_shake_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '😱', 'size': 80},
num_frames=20,
shake_intensity=15,
direction='both' # or 'horizontal', 'vertical'
)
from templates.bounce import create_bounce_animation
# Bounce a circle
frames = create_bounce_animation(
object_type='circle',
object_data={'radius': 40, 'color': (255, 100, 100)},
num_frames=30,
bounce_height=150
)
from templates.spin import create_spin_animation, create_loading_spinner
# Clockwise spin
frames = create_spin_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '🔄', 'size': 100},
rotation_type='clockwise',
full_rotations=2
)
# Wobble rotation
frames = create_spin_animation(rotation_type='wobble', full_rotations=3)
# Loading spinner
frames = create_loading_spinner(spinner_type='dots')
from templates.pulse import create_pulse_animation, create_attention_pulse
# Smooth pulse
frames = create_pulse_animation(
object_data={'emoji': '❤️', 'size': 100},
pulse_type='smooth',
scale_range=(0.8, 1.2)
)
# Heartbeat (double-pump)
frames = create_pulse_animation(pulse_type='heartbeat')
# Attention pulse for emoji GIFs
frames = create_attention_pulse(emoji='⚠️', num_frames=20)
from templates.fade import create_fade_animation, create_crossfade
# Fade in
frames = create_fade_animation(fade_type='in')
# Fade out
frames = create_fade_animation(fade_type='out')
# Crossfade between two emojis
frames = create_crossfade(
object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 100},
object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 100}
)
from templates.zoom import create_zoom_animation, create_explosion_zoom
# Zoom in dramatically
frames = create_zoom_animation(
zoom_type='in',
scale_range=(0.1, 2.0),
add_motion_blur=True
)
# Zoom out
frames = create_zoom_animation(zoom_type='out')
# Explosion zoom
frames = create_explosion_zoom(emoji='💥')
from templates.explode import create_explode_animation, create_particle_burst
# Burst explosion
frames = create_explode_animation(
explode_type='burst',
num_pieces=25
)
# Shatter effect
frames = create_explode_animation(explode_type='shatter')
# Dissolve into particles
frames = create_explode_animation(explode_type='dissolve')
# Particle burst
frames = create_particle_burst(particle_count=30)
from templates.wiggle import create_wiggle_animation, create_excited_wiggle
# Jello wobble
frames = create_wiggle_animation(
wiggle_type='jello',
intensity=1.0,
cycles=2
)
# Wave motion
frames = create_wiggle_animation(wiggle_type='wave')
# Excited wiggle for emoji GIFs
frames = create_excited_wiggle(emoji='🎉')
from templates.slide import create_slide_animation, create_multi_slide
# Slide in from left with overshoot
frames = create_slide_animation(
direction='left',
slide_type='in',
overshoot=True
)
# Slide across
frames = create_slide_animation(direction='left', slide_type='across')
# Multiple objects sliding in sequence
objects = [
{'data': {'emoji': '🎯', 'size': 60}, 'direction': 'left', 'final_pos': (120, 240)},
{'data': {'emoji': '🎪', 'size': 60}, 'direction': 'right', 'final_pos': (240, 240)}
]
frames = create_multi_slide(objects, stagger_delay=5)
from templates.flip import create_flip_animation, create_quick_flip
# Horizontal flip between two emojis
frames = create_flip_animation(
object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 120},
object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 120},
flip_axis='horizontal'
)
# Vertical flip
frames = create_flip_animation(flip_axis='vertical')
# Quick flip for emoji GIFs
frames = create_quick_flip('👍', '👎')
from templates.morph import create_morph_animation, create_reaction_morph
# Crossfade morph
frames = create_morph_animation(
object1_data={'emoji': '😊', 'size': 100},
object2_data={'emoji': '😂', 'size': 100},
morph_type='crossfade'
)
# Scale morph (shrink while other grows)
frames = create_morph_animation(morph_type='scale')
# Spin morph (3D flip-like)
frames = create_morph_animation(morph_type='spin_morph')
from templates.move import create_move_animation
# Linear movement
frames = create_move_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '🚀', 'size': 60},
start_pos=(50, 240),
end_pos=(430, 240),
motion_type='linear',
easing='ease_out'
)
# Arc movement (parabolic trajectory)
frames = create_move_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '⚽', 'size': 60},
start_pos=(50, 350),
end_pos=(430, 350),
motion_type='arc',
motion_params={'arc_height': 150}
)
# Circular movement
frames = create_move_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '🌍', 'size': 50},
motion_type='circle',
motion_params={
'center': (240, 240),
'radius': 120,
'angle_range': 360 # full circle
}
)
# Wave movement
frames = create_move_animation(
motion_type='wave',
motion_params={
'wave_amplitude': 50,
'wave_frequency': 2
}
)
# Or use low-level easing functions
from core.easing import interpolate, calculate_arc_motion
for i in range(num_frames):
t = i / (num_frames - 1)
x = interpolate(start_x, end_x, t, easing='ease_out')
# Or: x, y = calculate_arc_motion(start, end, height, t)
from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_kaleidoscope, create_kaleidoscope_animation
# Apply to a single frame
kaleido_frame = apply_kaleidoscope(frame, segments=8)
# Or create animated kaleidoscope
frames = create_kaleidoscope_animation(
base_frame=my_frame, # or None for demo pattern
num_frames=30,
segments=8,
rotation_speed=1.0
)
# Simple mirror effects (faster)
from templates.kaleidoscope import apply_simple_mirror
mirrored = apply_simple_mirror(frame, mode='quad') # 4-way mirror
# modes: 'horizontal', 'vertical', 'quad', 'radial'
To compose primitives freely, follow these patterns:
# Example: Bounce + shake for impact
for i in range(num_frames):
frame = create_blank_frame(480, 480, bg_color)
# Bounce motion
t_bounce = i / (num_frames - 1)
y = interpolate(start_y, ground_y, t_bounce, 'bounce_out')
# Add shake on impact (when y reaches ground)
if y >= ground_y - 5:
shake_x = math.sin(i * 2) * 10
x = center_x + shake_x
else:
x = center_x
draw_emoji(frame, '⚽', (x, y), size=60)
builder.add_frame(frame)
These are optional helpers for common needs. Use, modify, or replace these with custom implementations as needed.
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
# Create builder with your chosen settings
builder = GIFBuilder(width=480, height=480, fps=20)
# Add frames (however you created them)
for frame in my_frames:
builder.add_frame(frame)
# Save with optimization
builder.save('output.gif',
num_colors=128,
optimize_for_emoji=False)
Key features:
For small GIFs like emojis, text readability is challenging. A common solution involves adding outlines:
from core.typography import draw_text_with_outline, TYPOGRAPHY_SCALE
# Text with outline (helps readability)
draw_text_with_outline(
frame, "BONK!",
position=(240, 100),
font_size=TYPOGRAPHY_SCALE['h1'], # 60px
text_color=(255, 68, 68),
outline_color=(0, 0, 0),
outline_width=4,
centered=True
)
To implement custom text rendering, use PIL's ImageDraw.text() which works fine for larger GIFs.
Professional-looking GIFs often use cohesive color palettes:
from core.color_palettes import get_palette
# Get a pre-made palette
palette = get_palette('vibrant') # or 'pastel', 'dark', 'neon', 'professional'
bg_color = palette['background']
text_color = palette['primary']
accent_color = palette['accent']
To work with colors directly, use RGB tuples - whatever works for the use case.
Optional effects for impact moments:
from core.visual_effects import ParticleSystem, create_impact_flash, create_shockwave_rings
# Particle system
particles = ParticleSystem()
particles.emit_sparkles(x=240, y=200, count=15)
particles.emit_confetti(x=240, y=200, count=20)
# Update and render each frame
particles.update()
particles.render(frame)
# Flash effect
frame = create_impact_flash(frame, position=(240, 200), radius=100)
# Shockwave rings
frame = create_shockwave_rings(frame, position=(240, 200), radii=[30, 60, 90])
Smooth motion uses easing instead of linear interpolation:
from core.easing import interpolate
# Object falling (accelerates)
y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='ease_in')
# Object landing (decelerates)
y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='ease_out')
# Bouncing
y = interpolate(start=0, end=400, t=progress, easing='bounce_out')
# Overshoot (elastic)
scale = interpolate(start=0.5, end=1.0, t=progress, easing='elastic_out')
Available easings: linear, ease_in, ease_out, ease_in_out, bounce_out, elastic_out, back_out (overshoot), and more in core/easing.py.
Basic drawing utilities if you need them:
from core.frame_composer import (
create_gradient_background, # Gradient backgrounds
draw_emoji_enhanced, # Emoji with optional shadow
draw_circle_with_shadow, # Shapes with depth
draw_star # 5-pointed stars
)
# Gradient background
frame = create_gradient_background(480, 480, top_color, bottom_color)
# Emoji with shadow
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🎉', position=(200, 200), size=80, shadow=True)
When your GIF is too large:
For Message GIFs (>2MB):
For Emoji GIFs (>64KB) - be aggressive:
optimize_for_emoji=True in save methodbuilder = GIFBuilder(128, 128, 10)
for i in range(12):
frame = Image.new('RGB', (128, 128), (240, 248, 255))
# Pulsing scale
scale = 1.0 + math.sin(i * 0.5) * 0.15
size = int(60 * scale)
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '😱', position=(64-size//2, 64-size//2),
size=size, shadow=False)
builder.add_frame(frame)
builder.save('reaction.gif', num_colors=40, optimize_for_emoji=True)
# Validate
from core.validators import check_slack_size
check_slack_size('reaction.gif', is_emoji=True)
builder = GIFBuilder(480, 480, 20)
# Phase 1: Object falls
for i in range(15):
frame = create_gradient_background(480, 480, (240, 248, 255), (200, 230, 255))
t = i / 14
y = interpolate(0, 350, t, 'ease_in')
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '⚽', position=(220, int(y)), size=80)
builder.add_frame(frame)
# Phase 2: Impact + flash
for i in range(8):
frame = create_gradient_background(480, 480, (240, 248, 255), (200, 230, 255))
# Flash on first frames
if i < 3:
frame = create_impact_flash(frame, (240, 350), radius=120, intensity=0.6)
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '⚽', position=(220, 350), size=80)
# Text appears
if i > 2:
draw_text_with_outline(frame, "GOAL!", position=(240, 150),
font_size=60, text_color=(255, 68, 68),
outline_color=(0, 0, 0), outline_width=4, centered=True)
builder.add_frame(frame)
builder.save('goal.gif', num_colors=128)
from templates.shake import create_shake_animation
# Create shake animation
shake_frames = create_shake_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '😰', 'size': 70},
num_frames=20,
shake_intensity=12
)
# Create moving element that triggers the shake
builder = GIFBuilder(480, 480, 20)
for i in range(40):
t = i / 39
if i < 20:
# Before trigger - use blank frame with moving object
frame = create_blank_frame(480, 480, (255, 255, 255))
x = interpolate(50, 300, t * 2, 'linear')
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🚗', position=(int(x), 300), size=60)
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '😰', position=(350, 200), size=70)
else:
# After trigger - use shake frame
frame = shake_frames[i - 20]
# Add the car in final position
draw_emoji_enhanced(frame, '🚗', position=(300, 300), size=60)
builder.add_frame(frame)
builder.save('scare.gif')
This toolkit provides building blocks, not rigid recipes. To work with a GIF request:
The goal is creative freedom within Slack's technical constraints.
To use this toolkit, install these dependencies only if they aren't already present:
pip install pillow imageio numpy
October 22, 2025