How to create a GIF for your content cover image (using Canva)

Animated GIFs can bring your intranet pages to life! Follow the steps below to design and download a GIF using Canva, ready to upload as a cover image on your page, event, album, or blog. 

Note: Animated GIFs will show in your site carousels and in your content when opened. Your animated GIF will appear as a still image in tiles and your feed. 

✅ Before You Start

• Make sure you have a Canva account (free, Pro, or Team).

• Use a 16:9 aspect ratio to fit most intranet cover image dimensions.

⭐️ Best practices for using GIFs on content 

• We recommend reserving GIFs for content like town halls, leadership updates, product releases, employee spotlights/recognition, important announcements, or seasonal content. 
• For policy pages, sensitive updates, or legal updates, we recommend static images. 
• Be sure to keep your GIFs subtle and complementary to the content you are creating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start with a 16:9 Canvas

1. Go to canva.com and log in.

2. Click Create a design and select Presentation (16:9).

   • You can also enter custom dimensions like 1920 x 1080 px if needed.

Step 2: Add Your Design Elements

1. Choose a template or start from scratch.

2. Add images, shapes, text, or your brand elements (like logo, graphics, or background).

3. Add animated graphics (if desired) from the available library on Canva to save you time in creating your own animations. 

4. Keep your design simple and readable for the best visual effect.

Step 3: Add Animations 

1. Click on any element (text, image, etc.) you want to animate.

2. Click Animate in the top menu.

3. Choose from Canva’s animation options (e.g., Fade, Rise, Pop, Tumble).

   • You can animate individual elements or the entire page.

4. Adjust the timing by clicking the clock icon and setting the duration.   

💡 Pro tip: We recommend setting the animation duration between 3.5-5.5 seconds. 

Step 4: Download as a GIF

1. Click Share in the top-right corner.

2. Select Download.

3. Under File Type, select GIF.

4. Choose the pages to include (typically page 1 only for a single cover image).

5. Click Download.

Step 5: Upload Your GIF to Your Intranet

• Navigate to your intranet page where cover images are uploaded.

• Upload your new animated GIF just like you would a static image. 

• Crop your image for both widescreen and thumbnail layouts. Be sure to cover all four corners of your GIF when doing your widescreen crop, otherwise, the GIF may not register.  

Your GIF will appear in carousels and on your published content. Your feed, tiles, and thumbnail images will appear as static images.