Let the Fog Roll In - Keynote Dynamic Backgrounds

To create a unique animated postcard in Keynote using Dynamic Backgrounds, I started with a photo that captures a lesson theme I’m working on. I used a primary source image of the Golden Gate Bridge popping through the fog from the Library of Congress Carol Highsmith collection.

Here is the original photo. 

Photo of fog rolling through the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Fog rolls across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Here is the Bridge with the “Dynamic” fog floating through: 

Moving fog added to background of image of the Golden Gate
Animated GIF with Keynote Dynamic Background applied

My process:

  1. Opened Keynote and added the photo to the first slide.
  2. Added a Dynamic Background and adjusted the colors to harmonize with the photo for a smooth, layered effect.
  3.  Adjusted Opacity of image so the Dynamic Background shows through. This helped it blend seamlessly with the background.
  4. Duplicated the slide and export the 2 slides as a movie (tap the down arrow at the end of Keynote title - upper left, tap Export, select Movie).
  5. Once exported to photos, edited the movie so it is fairly short (12 seconds)
  6. Added the movie to a single slide in Keynote and exported this slide, this time, as an animated GIF, perfect for sharing.

What ways are you using Dynamic Backgrounds? Reply with a Dynamic Background share!

1 reply

November 22, 2024

What a creative idea, Cheryl! I've never thought of using Keynote's Dynamic Backgrounds to enhance photographs. Thank you for sharing your process to inspire others like myself!

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