Image format
.gif
Graphics Interchange Format
GIF is a widely recognized format best known for animated images and short loops. While limited to 256 colors, GIF's animation support and universal compatibility make it a staple of web culture.
MIME type
image/gif
Developer
CompuServe
Introduced
1987
Advantages
- Animation support — multiple frames in one file
- Universal browser and platform support
- Small file sizes for simple graphics
- Supports basic transparency
Limitations
- Limited to 256 colors per frame
- Poor quality for photographs
- Large file sizes for animations compared to video
- Binary transparency only (no partial transparency)
When to use GIF
Animated images and memes
Simple web animations and UI feedback
Low-color graphics and icons
Short looping clips
Technical details
GIF uses LZW lossless compression. It supports up to 256 colors from a 24-bit color palette per frame. GIF89a supports animation with per-frame delays and disposal methods.
Convert GIF to other formats
9 conversion options available
Convert to GIF from other formats
9 formats can be converted to GIF
Ready to convert your GIF files?
358+ conversion options. Fast, free, and secure.
Start converting — it's free