How to make a GIF from a series of iPhone burst photos

Using the Workflow app (iOS 8 and up), it’s possible to create workflows that will:

1. extract the different frames from the burst photo
2. create an animated GIF
3. preview the animated to GIF before deciding what to do with it

To fine tune the animation, you can then specify

• the time per frame (default = 0,2 seconds)
• if you want the GIF to loop forever or not (default = yes)
• if you want to specify a maximum width/height or not (default = 500px)

To help you get started, I’ve created 2 workflows for you.

After installing the Workflow app, you can import the two workflows via these links:

• Animated GIF from last burst
• Animated GIF from burst action

Normal workflow that converts the last burst automatically

This workflow behaves like a traditional app in the sense that:

1. you create an icon on your home screen
2. when pressed, an animated GIF is automatically created from the last burst

To create an icon on the home screen:

1. Open the workflow
2. Tap on the cogwheel (top right)
3. Tap on “Add to Home Screen”
4. Wait for some work to be done in Safari
5. Tap on the “Share” icon
6. Tap on “Add to Home Screen”
7. Tap on “Add”

Now each time to tap on the “app” icon on your home screen, the last burst will be converted to an animated GIF that you can share where you want to:

• either from the Quick Look action
• or at the bottom of the workflow

Action extension that you can apply to any burst photo

To make this extension available:

1. Open Photos
2. Select any photo
3. Tap on the share icon
4. Scroll to the right and tap on “More”
5. Toggle on “Run Workflow”
6. Tap on “Done”

Now when you want to create an animated GIF from a burst photo

1. Navigate to the burst album
2. Select the desired burst photo
3. Tap on the share icon (square with upward facing arrow)
4. Tap on “Run workflow”
5. Select the one named “Animated GIF from burst action”
6. Let it run until the animated GIF is created

Hope this helps!