Guide
Updated: May 10, 2023
Created: May 4, 2023
Disclaimer: if there's any inaccurate information, feel free to contact me through my osu!profile.
In order to successfully upload an animated GFX file, it is necessary to utilize the .gif format. However, if the file size
surpasses a certain limit, the upload won't work properly.
Maximum file size:
- Profile Cover -> 974.4KB
- Banner -> 4MB
- Signature -> 4MB
- Profile Picture -> 99KB
Recommended dimensions:
- Profile Cover -> 1000 x 250px
- Banner -> 890 x 380px
- Signature -> 750 x 150px
- Profile Picture -> 128 x 128px
The file size of both the banner and signature appear to be within acceptable limits, but the profile cover and profile
picture have very restricted size limit. Which I will provide instructions on how to optimize the file size. Also I would like
to remind that I am not a proficient GFX designer; these are just methods that have worked for me.
1. Duration
It's a simple concept: the shorter the duration, the smaller the file size. A duration of approximately 2-3 seconds is
recommended.
2. FPS
30fps and 60fps do not appear to result in a significant difference, except for just Animated Characters; therefore, I
recommend 30fps if file size is an issue since it can reduce the file size by half.
3. Glow
When appropriately configured, Glow is one of my preferred effects since it results in only a minimal increase in file
size; experiment with the Glow Threshold and Glow Intensity settings to achieve the desired effect.
4. Saber
When I first created my animated GFX, the first thing that came to my mind was using the Saber effect. However, it is
extremely difficult to make it function properly for a Profile Cover due to its enormous file size. Although you could
decrease or eliminate the glow effects to make it work, this would remove the charm that Saber brings to the GFX.
5. Colorful Background
Incorporating this element leads to a substantial increase in file size, and attempts to use blur or other methods to
mitigate the issue are unsuccessful.
6. Animated Character
Just today, on May 10, 2023, I completed my very first Animated Character. However, I encountered a significant issue
as it consumes a considerable amount of file size. Consequently, I had to make the difficult decision to switch from
60FPS to 30 FPS. Unfortunately, this change has had a noticeable impact on the Animated Character, particularly in the
blinking animation. Feel free to check out my osu!profile cover for an example. I don't anticipate changing it anytime
soon since I consider it my hard work and wouldn't want it to go to waste.
7. Dimensions
While it is possible to utilize dimensions below the recommended size, doing so is not advisable for both Profile Cover
and Profile Picture since they will be automatically stretched, leading to a significant loss in image quality.
8. Export Settings
By adjusting the export settings, one can obtain a fully optimized GFX. Simply experiment with the following settings to
achieve the desired outcome.
Optimized Settings:
- Selective
- Diffusion or Pattern (Pattern leads to worse quality and lacks of Dither.)
- Transparency: Checked
- Colors: 128 or 256
- Dither: Decreasing the percentage results in smaller file size and reduced quality, and vice versa.
