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Format

Overview

GIF is a palette-based format known for simple animation and broad legacy support.

Features

  • Frame animation
  • Indexed color palette
  • Wide historic support

Advantages

  • Easy short loops
  • Works in very old environments

Disadvantages

  • Limited colors
  • Large files for complex motion
  • WEBP/APNG often better today

Format details

Typical file size
Can grow quickly with frames and dimensions.
Transparency support
Yes — Binary transparency (one color index), not full alpha.
Animation support
Yes — Native multi-frame animation.
Compression type
Lossless LZW on indexed color
Browser support
Universal.

Common uses

  • Simple memes
  • Basic UI spinners
  • Legacy email

Related formats

Related conversion tools

  • GIF to JPG — Convert GIF images to JPG quickly in your browser.
  • GIF to PNG — Convert GIF images to PNG quickly in your browser.
  • GIF to WEBP — Convert GIF images to WEBP quickly in your browser.

Related compression tools

Related editing tools

Image editing tools will appear here when published.

Related guides

Related knowledge

FAQs