Video timeline gif export creates alternating 0.03 and 0.07 frame delays

[m73531472]

Issue: 

• Photoshop version: 26.4.1
• OS: Sequia 15.3.1

Steps to reproduce:

1. Create a gif using the video timeline mode (30 fps). In my case, I typically use Import > Video Frames to Layers, but the same exact thing happens when I import images to layers and create a video timeline from it.
2. Change nothing for timeline speed (leave at default).
3. Export this gif using the Save for Web (legacy). Options chosen don't appear to matter here.
4. Reopen exported gif in Photoshop
5. Frame delay from exported gif using the video timeline switches between 0.03 and 0.07 seconds
6. 
7. Open gif in browser - gif looks very choppy due to inconsistent frame rate.

Expected result: 

Frame delay from exported gifs made with Video Timeline mode should retain 0.05 FPS when re-opening in Photoshop.
Actual result: 

Frame delay is 0.03 and 0.07 alternating. Gif looks choppy when playing. Gif must be reimported into Photoshop, manually changed to frame delay of 0.05, then re-exported.

Appears this has been an issue for a long time.

[Claire H.]

Hi @m73531472, Welcome to the Photoshop forums! Thank you for providing amazing detailed information about the issue you're experiencing with the frame delay while exporting GIFs. Unfortunately, I could not recreate this issue, but let's try troubleshooting a few things first.

Here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Update Photoshop and OS: Please ensure that Photoshop and your operating system are updated to the latest versions. Updates often include bug fixes that might resolve the issue.

2. Reset Preferences: Try resetting Photoshop preferences, which can often resolve unexpected behavior. You can do this by going to Edit > Preferences > General and click on Reset Preferences on Quit.

3. Try Different Export Settings: Experiment with different export settings in the Save for Web (legacy) dialog. Although you mentioned that the options chosen don't appear to matter, it's worth trying different combinations to see if they make a difference.

4. Use Alternative Export Methods: Consider using the Export As option instead of Save for Web (legacy). This might produce a more consistent frame delay.

5. Check Frame Rate Consistency: Before exporting, ensure that the frame rate is consistent throughout the timeline. Sometimes, minor timeline setting adjustments help maintain a steady frame rate.

If you continue to experience problems, please provide a screen recording with more details to help further diagnose the issue. Thanks! ^CH

[m73531472]

@Claire H.hi Claire, thanks for your help. I've updated my computer and photoshop and tried with step 2. I realized while doing some testing that I convert the frame animation to 0.05 seconds before converting to a video timeline. This seems to be the crux of the issue. When I don't, the export works fine, in that the frames prior to turning into a video timeline were 0.03, converted, then exported still remain at 0.03.

I'm attaching my workflow below

I guess I would expect that the 30fps is honored from the video timeline but that's not what eventually ends up exporting. If I don't touch frame delay before converting to video timeline, it seems to work as expected. Otherwise, with 0.05 -> convert to video timeline -> export then reopen, then I seem to get the 0.03 and 0.07 oscillating frame rates.

[m73531472]

@Claire H.  Hi, is there any update to this?

[Claire H.]

Hi @m73531472, Sorry to hear this is still occurring for you! I have not been able to recreate this issue based on the steps you've provided, and as of right now, I have not seen others reporting this issue. Are you still experiencing this issue with all of your GIF exports, or is it only specific ones?

Can you also send your system info so we can try replicating it? You can find this by going to Help > System Info, copying and pasting it into a text file, and attaching it here. Thanks!

^CH