How to Create a Pulsing Light Animated GIF

This nifty PhotoShop Tutorial will show you how to create a pulsing, glowing light in an animated GIF file for use on the web or in any html file. Good for banner ads, email accents or website decor. We will be also using the ImageReady feature built into PhotoShop to create the animation.This tutorial is for intermediate to advanced users who have a understanding of basic PhotoShop tools and techniques. For PhotoShop 6.0 and above.

We start by opening a new file, in this case 3 inches wide by 3 inches high, at 72 dpi., with a black background area.
On a new layer use the filled area tool to create a circle with red fill, in the center of the area.

Now let's give it some dimension. Select 'Layer Styles' from the menu bar at top, then 'Bevel and Emboss'. For most of the settings you will be using the defaults, so don't be too put-off by the following list:

Set the parameters thus: In Structure; Style: Inner Bevel, Technique: Smooth, Depth: 100%, Direction: Up, Size: 50 px, Soften: 0.

In Shading; Angle: O, Use Global Light, Gloss Contour: (Default), Highlight Mode: Normal, Opacity: 100%, Shadow Mode: Multiply, Opacity: 100%

We will make two more layers with this same image. Right click on layer one in the layers palette. Select 'Duplicate Layer'.
A new, identical layer is created. Repeat the process for one more layer.

Next, the layers will be individually adjusted to dark, medium and light versions, which will be the primary sequences of the animation.

Select layer 1. Click on your circular image to select it. From the top menu bar choose 'Adjustments' then, 'Brightness and Contrast'. Set the Contrast to 100 and the brightness to -50. This is the darkest pulse-phase of your light- it looks like it's fading out.

Select layer 2. Click on your circular image to select it. From the top menu bar choose 'Adjustments' then, 'Brightness and
Contrast'. Set the Contrast to 100 and the brightness to -50. This is the medium phase, to look like it's beginning to glow