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MatthewLally
Known Participant
June 14, 2025
Question

Exported animated GIFs have 'muddy' colors.

  • June 14, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 306 views

I use Animate to create animated social media posts.

Then I select "File", then "Export", then "Export Animated GIF..."

Sometimes, not always, the colors in the gif are muddy: yellow comes out as dull brown, blue comes as dull green.

I've tried different things, pulling out complex objects, gradients, etc. but I can't figure it out.

Doesn't happen all the time but it can ruin several hours work.

Thank you!

    1 reply

    Joseph Labrecque
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 17, 2025

    A gif file is limited to 256 colors - anything beyond it it was shart shifting things to compensate. I would suggest being very intentional on a limited, defined pallette for greatest accuracy: 

     



    MatthewLally
    Known Participant
    June 17, 2025

    Ahhhh! Thank you so much!!  It's very likely I have been using more than 256 colors. I will use your advice. I think you have solved my problem!!

    Joseph Labrecque
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    June 17, 2025

    Yeah - it's very limited in many ways... but gif continues to be popular despite such limitations!