Animated icons are small, moving images that are usually in GIF format. They depict any type of image, such as a short clip from a movie, animated characters or animated special effects such as text or glitter effects. There are many places where an animated icon can come in handy, such as serving as a display picture for a chat client, or uploaded to the Internet to serve as your avatar or in a custom signature. If you are using an animated icon designed by someone else, be sure to read the terms and conditions associated with using the icon. To avoid copyright issues, you can make your own animated icon using graphic design software or by visiting icon design websites.
Chat Client Icons
Open a chat client such as MSN Instant Messenger or AIM Messenger and locate the "Display Picture" settings. Browse through your files until you find your animated icon and select it to use as your display. Now, every time you chat with someone, they will be able to see your animated icon at the top corner of your chat window. Be sure to use an icon that represents you -- perhaps one that has a picture of your favorite band or animal, or displays your name.
Email Signature
Many people make icons that include their names, with animated components. You can use an animated name icon as your outgoing e-mail signature. To do this, change your e-mail settings to allow a signature at the bottom of your e-mail. Following the directions for your e-mail client, use your animated icon as your signature instead of text.
Upload to the Web
Before you can use your animated icon on the Web, you must upload the animated icon to a free Web hosting site such as Photobucket, Image Shack or Tiny Pic. In order to use your image on websites and message boards, you need to upload the picture to the Internet. If you are lucky enough to have your own Web space, upload your icon via FTP. Once your animated icon is on the Web, you can use it on your own website, or as a profile picture for message boards and other sites.
Your Website and Other Sites
In order to have the image appear on your website, you must enter in the appropriate html code. To do this, copy the URL location of your animated icon. Write the following html tag where you want your image to appear:
Replace 'your URL here' with the address of the icon.
