Turn a reference image into a looping GIF

Sometimes the character already exists—as a flat illustration, sticker, or product shot. You do not want a new design; you want that exact look to blink, wave, or breathe.

Reference-first workflow

1. Sign in and open AI GIF.
2. Upload a PNG or JPEG reference (flat / cartoon art usually animates cleanly).
3. In the prompt, describe motion only—assume the look comes from the image.
4. Require a start pose, one action, and a return to that pose with a fixed camera.
5. Generate with Fast to explore, Detail when the motion direction is right.

Reference images are uploaded for AI runs (unlike local Convert tools). Only spend credits when you hit generate.

Prompt pattern for references

Animate this reference image only. Keep the same character, colors, and flat style. The subject gently [ACTION], then returns to the starting pose. Fixed camera, seamless loop, no new background elements, no text, no logos.

Swap [ACTION] for blink, head tilt, paw wave, lantern lift, ear twitch, and similar micro-moves.

What to avoid

• Asking the model to “redesign” the character while also locking the reference.
• Big camera moves or scene changes that fight the still’s composition.
• Busy multi-step stories; one beat loops better.

Local alternative

If you already have a sequence of frames (turnaround sheet cut into cells), skip AI and use Images to GIF to assemble them locally with no upload.

Try it

Upload one sticker-style PNG in AI GIF, use the pattern above with a single action, and iterate until the loop feels invisible.