see if running it through AVIQuick helps: WWW Link

Thanks, Bichur...I just downloaded the progran...will try it out, and let you know if it works.

I'm having the same exact problem that jazzymjr is having. If I enable any compression the file isn't playable. I can optimize it and get a good file size. When I save it as an .avi file, it overwrites the changes, and goes right back up to the original size. Avi quick doesn't seem to have as many options as animation studio, and does less Does anyone know a way to keep the optimized version? Thanks

I don't think the avi will get much smaller without removing some frames.

I took a gif (7.46kb) and converted to avi with animation shop = 73kb at 8bit

I guess the question is, how does anyone else get usable animations without excessive file size? I see some of the progress animations available on this website where the entire package is very small. Looking at the screenshots, it looks like alot of frames included. I can't get a 19 frame animation out in under 800kb that looks decent. I tried compression, but the only one that will play in skin studio without an error greatly reduces the quality.

Found this again (it's old but useful): How to create a WindowBlinds Shell Animation File

Thanks Bichur I found the same thing I think http://adam.joeuser.com/articles.asp?aid=36199
Don't use avi quick though. Mine at least wouldn't let me adjust compression at all. I used the one Mike recommended (Gif Movie Gear) located at http://www.moviegear.com It has a free trial It was so easy it made me want to cry for all the lost time trying to reduce the file size before. It turned that 800-900k file into a 11-25k file. I created all the images and saved them as gifs. I opened up the individual gifs in Movie Gear and adjusted the order, time, etc. Then I just saved it with the RLE8 Compression. It is really so easy it's not even funny

I think part of the key is starting with 8bit gif frames

That's what I thought right before I found Movie Gear. I actually went back and verified I was creating them in 8bit gif frames. I was going to completely remake all of the gifs. Thankfully, I didn't have to do that Thanks alot for all your help though Bichur. This is my first skin and at different stages I have become completely stumped. Thankfully, there is a good community here for assistance