How to open a .gif file?

GIF files can be opened by most image viewers and editors. You can also convert GIF to other formats online using SquishConvert.

How to convert a .gif file?

Upload your .gif file to SquishConvert, select an output format, and click Convert. Your converted file will be ready to download in seconds.

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.