I wanted to take a few moments to explain a way you can animate images

you create in illustrator.

I'd like to point out that this method requires

Photoshop to generate the animation, but all the drawing and animating is done

in illustrator.

I believe the technical term for what we'll be doing is 'animating through layers'.

You start off by creating your image in illustrator.

Once you create the image, duplicate the layer its on.

Duplicating layers in illustrator (CS3) requires the use of the layer menu

because there is no shortcut key.

Then, you simply modify the copied layer to make the next frame.

Duplicate the modified copy, change it to create the next frame, and repeat.

This is why I enjoy this method. I prefer illustrator when creating. For me,

It’s just easier. I like being able to move things consistently

with the arrow key, and scaling them by % if needed.

Once you finish creating your animation to layers you can preview it by

making the layers invisible one at a time from the top down.

Once you're happy with how your animation looks you export it to PSD.

Make sure to preserve your layers

Open your image in Photoshop and crop it to the preferred size.

Using the animation tools found under window animation, duplicate frame 1 to create all

your frames then go through each frame and make all

the layers invisible except for the layer that corresponds

to the frame you are on.

A faster way to do this would be to make all layers invisible before duplicating

the frames. Then you could simply make the layer visible

on the frame it corresponds to.

I'd like to also point out that there are limitations to this method,

most of which are based on the computer you're using.

When I attempt large complex animations I typically run out of memory

and Illustrator crashes.

If this video has been helpful please hit the like button and leave a comment below.

Thanks for watching.