GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
GIF is a 1987 image format best known for short, looping animations. Learn how it works, where it shines, and when WebP or MP4 is the better choice.
- Type
- Image
- File extensions
- .gif
- MIME type
- image/gif
What is GIF?
GIF was introduced by CompuServe in 1987 and is still the most widely supported format for simple animations. Each frame uses a palette of at most 256 colors and is compressed losslessly with LZW compression.
Animated GIFs store a sequence of frames with a delay for each one and an optional loop count. Transparency is on or off per pixel: there are no semi-transparent edges.
When to use GIF
- Short reaction clips and memes that must play everywhere
- Simple animations, logos and UI demos with few colors
- Email, where video is rarely supported
Limitations
- 256 colors per frame, so photographs and gradients show banding or dithering
- Large files compared with modern formats; an MP4 or animated WebP of the same clip is usually many times smaller
- No sound and no partial transparency
Compatibility
Supported by every browser, operating system, email client and messaging app.
Compared with other formats
Tools for GIF files
GIF Maker
Combine a sequence of still images into an animated GIF with per-frame delay and loop control.
GIF Resizer
Change the width and height of an animated GIF while keeping every frame and its timing.
GIF Cropper
Cut away unwanted edges from every frame of an animated GIF in one step.
GIF Optimizer
Losslessly optimize GIF frame storage and transparency to reduce file size without changing how it looks.
GIF Compressor
Shrink large GIFs with adjustable lossy compression and color reduction for much smaller files.
GIF Splitter
Split an animated GIF into separate PNG frames, downloadable together as a ZIP archive.
GIF Merger
Join several GIFs one after another into a single continuous animation.
GIF Reverser
Play an animated GIF backwards, or create a forward-then-backward boomerang loop.
GIF Speed Changer
Speed up or slow down an animated GIF by scaling its frame delays.
GIF Rotator
Rotate every frame of an animated GIF by 90, 180 or 270 degrees.
GIF Flipper
Mirror an animated GIF horizontally or vertically across all frames.
GIF Text Adder
Add captions or meme-style text across an entire animated GIF.