What is a GIF file?

GIF is one of the oldest image formats still in use. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look grainy, and transparency is all-or-nothing. It survives because it supports animation everywhere. When you convert a GIF to a still format, FileStripe uses the first frame.

Full name	Graphics Interchange Format
File extensions	.gif
MIME type	image/gif
Introduced	1987
Compression	Lossless (256 colours max)
Transparency	1-bit (on/off)
Animation	Yes
Typical file size	Medium
Best for	simple animations and reaction images
Compatibility	Universal

How to open a GIF file

Windows

Opens in Photos and any browser (animation plays in the browser).

Mac

Opens in Preview, which shows each frame; Safari plays the animation.

iPhone and iPad

Plays in Photos, Messages and Safari.

Android

Plays in Google Photos, Gallery and Chrome.

If none of these work, convert the file to a more widely supported format with one of the tools below.

Convert GIF files

GIFJPGGIF to JPGGIF images to JPG, in bulk.GIFPNGGIF to PNGGIF images to PNG, in bulk.GIFWEBPGIF to WebPGIF images to WebP, in bulk.GIFPDFGIF to PDFPut GIF images into a PDF.GIFTIFFGIF to TIFFGIF images to TIFF, in bulk.GIFBMPGIF to BMPGIF images to BMP, in bulk.GIFICOGIF to ICOGIF images to ICO, in bulk.

Convert other files to GIF

Video to GIFTurn a moment from any MP4, WebM or MOV clip into a looping GIF.MP4 to GIFMake a looping GIF from an MP4 clip in seconds, with control over length, size and speed.JPGGIFJPG to GIFJPG images to GIF, in bulk.PNGGIFPNG to GIFPNG images to GIF, in bulk.WEBPGIFWebP to GIFWebP images to GIF, in bulk.HEICGIFHEIC to GIFHEIC images to GIF, in bulk.BMPGIFBMP to GIFBMP images to GIF, in bulk.TIFFGIFTIFF to GIFTIFF images to GIF, in bulk.

GIF metadata and privacy

GIFs rarely contain much metadata, but some include comments or XMP data from the software that made them.

Remove metadata from GIF files · View the metadata

GIF compared with other formats

GIF vs PNG: For still images PNG beats GIF in every way. GIF only makes sense for simple animations.
GIF vs WebP: Animated WebP is a modern replacement for GIF: smaller files and full colour, but not every app plays it.

Frequently asked questions

What is a GIF file?

GIF is one of the oldest image formats still in use. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look grainy, and transparency is all-or-nothing.

How do I open a GIF file on Windows?

Opens in Photos and any browser (animation plays in the browser).

How do I open a GIF file on a Mac?

Opens in Preview, which shows each frame; Safari plays the animation.

Is GIF lossy or lossless?

GIF is lossless or uncompressed, so no detail is lost when saving.

Does GIF support transparency?

1-bit (on/off). Use PNG or WebP if you need a transparent background.

How do I convert GIF to another format?

Use one of the free converters on this page, for example GIF to JPG, GIF to PNG, GIF to WebP. Files are converted in your browser without being uploaded.