Slack Gif Creator
Agent skill walkthrough for generating themed Slack GIF packs, managing prompts, frame pipelines, and review checklists.
Source: Content adapted from anthropics/skills (MIT).
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's Requirements
Slack has specific requirements for GIFs based on their use:
Message GIFs:
- Max size: ~2MB
- Optimal dimensions: 480x480
- Typical FPS: 15-20
- Color limit: 128-256
- Duration: 2-5s
Emoji GIFs:
- Max size: 64KB (strict limit)
- Optimal dimensions: 128x128
- Typical FPS: 10-12
- Color limit: 32-48
- Duration: 1-2s
Emoji GIFs are challenging - the 64KB limit is strict. Strategies that help:
- Limit to 10-15 frames total
- Use 32-48 colors maximum
- Keep designs simple
- Avoid gradients
- Validate file size frequently
Toolkit Structure
This skill provides three types of tools:
- Validators - Check if a GIF meets Slack's requirements
- Animation Primitives - Composable building blocks for motion (shake, bounce, move, kaleidoscope)
- Helper Utilities - Optional functions for common needs (text, colors, effects)
Complete creative freedom is available in how these tools are applied.
Core Validators
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!")
Animation Primitives
These are composable building blocks for motion. Apply these to any object in any combination:
Shake
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'
)
Bounce
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
)
Spin / Rotate
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')
Pulse / Heartbeat
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)
Fade
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}
)
Zoom
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='')
Explode / Shatter
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)
Wiggle / Jiggle
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='')
Slide
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)
Flip
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('', '')
Morph / Transform
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')
Move Effect
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)
Kaleidoscope Effect
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)
Helper Utilities
These are optional helpers for common needs. Use, modify, or replace these with custom implementations as needed.
GIF Builder (Assembly & Optimization)
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:
- Automatic color quantization
- Duplicate frame removal
- Size warnings for Slack limits
- Emoji mode (aggressive optimization)
Text Rendering
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.
Color Management
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.
Visual Effects
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])
Easing Functions
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
.
Frame Composition
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)
Optimization Strategies
When your GIF is too large:
For Message GIFs (>2MB):
- Reduce frames (lower FPS or shorter duration)
- Reduce colors (128 -> 64 colors)
- Reduce dimensions (480x480 -> 320x320)
- Enable duplicate frame removal
For Emoji GIFs (>64KB) - be aggressive:
- Limit to 10-12 frames total
- Use 32-40 colors maximum
- Avoid gradients (solid colors compress better)
- Simplify design (fewer elements)
- Use
optimize_for_emoji=True
in save method
Example Composition Patterns
Simple Reaction (Pulsing)
builder = 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)
Action with Impact (Bounce + Flash)
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)
Combining Primitives (Move + Shake)
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')
Philosophy
This toolkit provides building blocks, not rigid recipes. To work with a GIF request:
- Understand the creative vision - What should happen? What's the mood?
- Design the animation - Break it into phases (anticipation, action, reaction)
- Apply primitives as needed - Shake, bounce, move, effects - mix freely
- Validate constraints - Check file size, especially for emoji GIFs
- Iterate if needed - Reduce frames/colors if over size limits
The goal is creative freedom within Slack's technical constraints.
Dependencies
To use this toolkit, install these dependencies only if they aren't already present:
pip install pillow imageio numpy
Resource Files
LICENSE.txt
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core/color_palettes.py
Download core/color_palettes.py
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core/easing.py
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core/frame_composer.py
Download core/frame_composer.py
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core/gif_builder.py
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core/typography.py
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core/validators.py
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core/visual_effects.py
Download core/visual_effects.py
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requirements.txt
pillow>=10.0.0
imageio>=2.31.0
imageio-ffmpeg>=0.4.9
numpy>=1.24.0
templates/bounce.py
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Bounce Animation Template - Creates bouncing motion for objects.
Use this to make objects bounce up and down or horizontally with realistic physics.
"""
import sys
from pathlib import Path
# Add parent directory to path
sys.path.append(str(Path(__file__).parent.parent))
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
from core.frame_composer import create_blank_frame, draw_circle, draw_emoji
from core.easing import ease_out_bounce, interpolate
def create_bounce_animation(
object_type: str = 'circle',
object_data: dict = None,
num_frames: int = 30,
bounce_height: int = 150,
ground_y: int = 350,
start_x: int = 240,
frame_width: int = 480,
frame_height: int = 480,
bg_color: tuple[int, int, int] = (255, 255, 255)
) -> list:
"""
Create frames for a bouncing animation.
Args:
object_type: 'circle', 'emoji', or 'custom'
object_data: Data for the object (e.g., {'radius': 30, 'color': (255, 0, 0)})
num_frames: Number of frames in the animation
bounce_height: Maximum height of bounce
ground_y: Y position of ground
start_x: X position (or starting X if moving horizontally)
frame_width: Frame width
frame_height: Frame height
bg_color: Background color
Returns:
List of frames
"""
frames = []
# Default object data
if object_data is None:
if object_type == 'circle':
object_data = {'radius': 30, 'color': (255, 100, 100)}
elif object_type == 'emoji':
object_data = {'emoji': '⚽', 'size': 60}
for i in range(num_frames):
# Create blank frame
frame = create_blank_frame(frame_width, frame_height, bg_color)
# Calculate progress (0.0 to 1.0)
t = i / (num_frames - 1) if num_frames > 1 else 0
# Calculate Y position using bounce easing
y = ground_y - int(ease_out_bounce(t) * bounce_height)
# Draw object
if object_type == 'circle':
draw_circle(
frame,
center=(start_x, y),
radius=object_data['radius'],
fill_color=object_data['color']
)
elif object_type == 'emoji':
draw_emoji(
frame,
emoji=object_data['emoji'],
position=(start_x - object_data['size'] // 2, y - object_data['size'] // 2),
size=object_data['size']
)
frames.append(frame)
return frames
# Example usage
if __name__ == '__main__':
print("Creating bouncing ball GIF...")
# Create GIF builder
builder = GIFBuilder(width=480, height=480, fps=20)
# Generate bounce animation
frames = create_bounce_animation(
object_type='circle',
object_data={'radius': 40, 'color': (255, 100, 100)},
num_frames=40,
bounce_height=200
)
# Add frames to builder
builder.add_frames(frames)
# Save GIF
builder.save('bounce_test.gif', num_colors=64)
templates/explode.py
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templates/fade.py
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templates/flip.py
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templates/kaleidoscope.py
Download templates/kaleidoscope.py
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templates/morph.py
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templates/move.py
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templates/pulse.py
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templates/shake.py
#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""
Shake Animation Template - Creates shaking/vibrating motion.
Use this for impact effects, emphasis, or nervous/excited reactions.
"""
import sys
import math
from pathlib import Path
sys.path.append(str(Path(__file__).parent.parent))
from core.gif_builder import GIFBuilder
from core.frame_composer import create_blank_frame, draw_circle, draw_emoji, draw_text
from core.easing import ease_out_quad
def create_shake_animation(
object_type: str = 'emoji',
object_data: dict = None,
num_frames: int = 20,
shake_intensity: int = 15,
center_x: int = 240,
center_y: int = 240,
direction: str = 'horizontal', # 'horizontal', 'vertical', or 'both'
frame_width: int = 480,
frame_height: int = 480,
bg_color: tuple[int, int, int] = (255, 255, 255)
) -> list:
"""
Create frames for a shaking animation.
Args:
object_type: 'circle', 'emoji', 'text', or 'custom'
object_data: Data for the object
num_frames: Number of frames
shake_intensity: Maximum shake displacement in pixels
center_x: Center X position
center_y: Center Y position
direction: 'horizontal', 'vertical', or 'both'
frame_width: Frame width
frame_height: Frame height
bg_color: Background color
Returns:
List of frames
"""
frames = []
# Default object data
if object_data is None:
if object_type == 'emoji':
object_data = {'emoji': '😱', 'size': 80}
elif object_type == 'text':
object_data = {'text': 'SHAKE!', 'font_size': 50, 'color': (255, 0, 0)}
for i in range(num_frames):
frame = create_blank_frame(frame_width, frame_height, bg_color)
# Calculate progress
t = i / (num_frames - 1) if num_frames > 1 else 0
# Decay shake intensity over time
intensity = shake_intensity * (1 - ease_out_quad(t))
# Calculate shake offset using sine wave for smooth oscillation
freq = 3 # Oscillation frequency
offset_x = 0
offset_y = 0
if direction in ['horizontal', 'both']:
offset_x = int(math.sin(t * freq * 2 * math.pi) * intensity)
if direction in ['vertical', 'both']:
offset_y = int(math.cos(t * freq * 2 * math.pi) * intensity)
# Apply offset
x = center_x + offset_x
y = center_y + offset_y
# Draw object
if object_type == 'emoji':
draw_emoji(
frame,
emoji=object_data['emoji'],
position=(x - object_data['size'] // 2, y - object_data['size'] // 2),
size=object_data['size']
)
elif object_type == 'text':
draw_text(
frame,
text=object_data['text'],
position=(x, y),
font_size=object_data['font_size'],
color=object_data['color'],
centered=True
)
elif object_type == 'circle':
draw_circle(
frame,
center=(x, y),
radius=object_data.get('radius', 30),
fill_color=object_data.get('color', (100, 100, 255))
)
frames.append(frame)
return frames
# Example usage
if __name__ == '__main__':
print("Creating shake GIF...")
builder = GIFBuilder(width=480, height=480, fps=24)
frames = create_shake_animation(
object_type='emoji',
object_data={'emoji': '😱', 'size': 100},
num_frames=30,
shake_intensity=20,
direction='both'
)
builder.add_frames(frames)
builder.save('shake_test.gif', num_colors=128)
templates/slide.py
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templates/spin.py
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templates/wiggle.py
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templates/zoom.py
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