Add an animated GIF to my model

Feature availability

You can already embed videos into your 3D models, but you also have the option to incorporate animated GIFs, or looping animations, into your models' labels and/or chapter descriptions.

Just like videos, animated GIFs can be used to complement your model by illustrating dynamic processes, such as muscle movements or steps in a surgical procedure. But unlike videos, animated GIFs replay automatically, keeping learners focused on the content and helping them retain information without needing to press play.

Read on for important upload requirements and step-by-step instructions.

Note: This feature supports the upload of two types of files:

  1. Short video files, which are converted into looping animations
  2. WebP (.webp) files, which are similar to GIFs but offer better performance.

Please note that actual GIF (.gif) files are not supported at this time.

 

Upload requirements

When you upload a short video to any label or chapter description in Human Studio, it is automatically converted into an animated GIF. Alternatively, you can directly upload your own pre-made animated images in WebP (.webp) format.

See below for all file requirements before you get started. Note that files that exceed these limits will trigger an error message during upload.

  • Supported file formats:
    • For video to GIF conversion: .mov, .mp4, .webm
    • Pre-made looping animations: .webp
  • File upload limits:
    • Labels: One (1) per label
    • Chapter descriptions: Three (3) per chapter
  • File size limits:
    • Size: 10 MB (8 MB or smaller recommended)
    • Video length: 15 seconds
    • Resolution: 720p recommended (higher resolutions will be downscaled)

Note: As noted above, .gif files are not currently supported. If you have .gif files you would like to upload to your model, you will need to convert them to one of the supported formats above or produce new files.

 

Add an animated GIF to a label

Adding an animated GIF to a label is a two-step process:

  1. Upload a video or WebP file to your label
  2. Wait for your GIF to finish processing

 

Step 1: Upload a video or WebP file to your label

  1. If you have not already, open your model in Human Studio.
  2. Add a label to the model if one does not already exist.
  3. Select the label by clicking on the label itself or by selecting it in the Labels panel on the right side of the page.
  4. Identify a short video or .webp file you want to add to the label and ensure it meets the upload requirements listed above.
  5. In the Labels panel, scroll down to the Animated GIF block, and drag and drop your file onto the block that says "Drop file here." Alternatively, click inside the block and use the browse function to locate and select the file from your File Explorer or Finder.

    Note: Again, only one (1) file can be added to each label.

    gifs_labels_upload block_jan25.png

  6. Wait until you see a "Processing..." message where you just uploaded your file, which means it has successfully uploaded and is being processed.

    Warning: Do not navigate away from the Labels panel until this message appears, or your upload will fail. If the upload fails, you will see an error message and will need to try again.

    gifs_labels_processing_jan25.png
  7. (Optional) In the Animated GIF Alt field that appears, enter alternative text for use with screen readers.
  8. (Optional) Repeat step 2-7 as desired to add animated GIFs to other labels. To delete or replace any animated GIF, click the X in the upper-right corner of its thumbnail.

    Tip: To minimize cognitive overload, we recommend limiting each chapter to no more than five (5) labels.

  9. Click Save in the lower-right corner of the page to save your changes.

 

Step 2: Wait for your GIF to finish processing

After uploading your video or WebP file, you will need wait for it to be processed before it can be displayed in the app or your published model.

While processing, your label will show the same "Processing..." message mentioned in step 6 above. During this time you can feel free to make other changes to your model, exit Studio, or take other actions in the app.

Note: Processing time varies based on file format and size. Smaller files typically process faster.

As soon as processing is complete, the animated GIF will appear in the label where you uploaded it.

gifs_in label_jan25.png

 

Add an animated GIF to a chapter description

Adding an animated GIF to a chapter description is a two-step process:

  1. Upload a video or WebP file in the Content Manager
  2. Wait for your GIF to finish processing

 

Step 1: Upload a video or WebP file in the Content Manager

  1. If you have not already, open your model in Human Studio.
  2. In the Chapters panel on the left, click Edit Info to open the Content Manager.
    chapters_edit info_jan25.png
  3. Identify a short video or .webp file you want to add to the current chapter and ensure it meets the upload requirements listed above.
  4. Scroll down to Animated GIFs and click the Add Animated GIF button.
  5. Drag and drop your file onto the block that says "Drop file here." Alternatively, click inside the block and use the browse function to locate and select the file from your File Explorer or Finder.
  6. Wait until you see a "Processing..." message where you just uploaded your file, which means it has successfully uploaded and is being processed.

    Warning: Do not navigate away from the Content Manager until this message appears, or your upload will fail. If the upload fails, you will see an error message and will need to try again.

    gifs_chapters_processing_jan25.png
  7. (Optional) In the Label field, enter a caption that will appear beneath your animated GIF in the information panel.
  8. (Optional) In the Alt field, enter alternative text for use with screen readers.
  9. (Optional) Repeat step 3-8 as desired to add more animated GIFs to your chapter. To delete or replace any animated GIF, click the X in the upper-right corner of its thumbnail.
    gifs_chapters_delete_jan25.png
  10. (Optional) To add an animated GIF to another chapter in a tour, select the chapter in the Chapters panel or in the Content Manager and repeat the relevant steps above.
  11. Click Save in the lower-right corner of the page to save your changes.

 

Step 2: Wait for your GIF to finish processing

After uploading your video or WebP file, you will need wait for it to be processed before it can be displayed in the app or your published model.

While processing, the animated GIF block in your chapter will show the same "Processing..." message mentioned in step 6 above. During this time you can feel free to make other changes to your model, exit Studio, or take other actions in the app.

Note: Processing time varies based on file format and size. Smaller files typically process faster.

As soon as processing is complete, the animated GIF will appear in the information panel in the chapter where you uploaded it.

Animated GIF in information panel - column layout:

gifs_in info panel_column_jan25.png

Animated GIF in information panel - button/drawer layout:

gifs_in info panel_drawer_jan25.png