how to add gifs to google slides

How to Add Animated GIFs Correctly in Google Docs and Slides

Learn how to correctly insert animated GIFs in Google Docs and Slides to add some pizzazz to your documents.

You can say a lot with the right animated GIF in your Google documents, whether to explain concepts better or to make your presentation slides shine. Unlike earlier, animated GIFs play smoothly in Google Docs and Slides.

This article shows you the different ways to insert animated GIFs in Google Docs and Slides.

How to Add Animated GIFs in Google Docs and Slides

The first step to insert animated GIFs into a Google document is to choose the right GIF. Ensure that the animation adds to the content and isn't an afterthought. Then, use these simple methods:

Insert an Animated GIF With a Drag and Drop

The drag and drop method is the simplest and quickest way once you have your animated GIF saved on your computer.

Open the Google document.
Place the cursor where you would like to add the GIF file.
Drag and drop the GIF file and then use the formatting controls to adjust the position and appearance if necessary.

Use Google Search Within Google Docs

You can use Google's Image Search to sift through the GIF universe. Earlier, you couldn't use the Image Search within Google Docs to search for animated GIFs and insert them, but now you can with a simple trick.

Place the cursor where you would like to insert the GIF.
Go to Insert > Image > Search the web. The Google Search side panel is displayed.
On the search field, type a search phrase and add "animated GIF" with it.
Drag and drop the right file from the search results or select the file and choose Insert.

Use the Image URL of the Animated GIF

You can also source the animated GIF file from Google Image Search in any browser.

Type your search keyword in the image search engine.
Go to Tools > Type > GIF to filter the animated GIFs from the rest of the image types.
Select the image and open it in its actual resolution in the image search side panel. Right-click on the image and select Copy Image Address.
Open your document. Place your cursor at the right location. Go to the Insert > Image > By URL.
Paste the image address you had copied in the earlier step. Click Insert in the image box which is displayed. The animated GIF is added to your document at the location you choose.

Note: Make sure to copy the URL that ends in .GIF and not the search URL. Otherwise, the GIF files will not work. Do remember that some images may be copyrighted, so seek permission before you use the GIFs.

You can also create your own GIFs and insert them into Google Docs and Slides. In fact, all document types in Google Drive accept animated GIFs, but they are the most useful in Docs and Slides.

How to Create GIFs Even If You Have Zero Skills

If you want to up your GIF game, rather than search and share other people's GIFs, use this simple tool to create your own GIFs in record time.