What is a GIF file?
GIF is one of the oldest image formats on the web, dating from 1987. It's lossless but limited to 256 colours per frame, supports simple on/off transparency, and is best known for short looping animations.
- Full name
- Graphics Interchange Format
- File extensions
- .gif
- MIME type
- image/gif
- Type
- Raster image
- Compression
- Lossless, 256 colours
- Transparency
- On/off only
- Animation
- Yes
- Format Hero support
- Convert from and to
What GIF is used for
Short animations, reaction images and memes, plus simple graphics and logos with few colours.
Strengths
Animation that plays everywhere without a video player, and universal support.
Weaknesses
Only 256 colours, so photos look grainy or banded. Transparency is all-or-nothing, and animated GIFs are large for what they show.
Compatibility
Every browser, chat app and image viewer supports GIF, animation included.
Convert GIF to another format
Convert other formats to GIF
Questions
How do I open a GIF file?
Open it in any browser or image viewer. Animated GIFs play automatically.
Is GIF lossy or lossless?
GIF is lossless: every pixel is stored exactly.
Does GIF support transparency?
Yes, but only on/off: each pixel is either fully transparent or fully opaque, so soft edges can look jagged.
Can I convert GIF files without uploading them?
Yes. Format Hero converts GIF files in your browser, on your own device, so they're never sent to a server. It's free, needs no sign-up and adds no watermark.