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.gif File Extension

File Type Graphical Interchange Format File

Developer CompuServe
Category Raster image files
File Format Binary

GIF file type

A GIF file is an image file often used for web graphics. It may contain up to 256 indexed colors with a color palette that may be a predefined set of colors or may be adapted to the colors in the image. GIF files are saved in a lossless format, meaning the clarity of the image is not compromised with GIF compression.

More Information

Screenshot of a .gif file in Microsoft Windows Photos

GIF file open in Microsoft Windows Photos

GIFs are a common format for web graphics, especially small images and images that contain text, such as navigation buttons. However, JPEG (.JPG) images are better for showing photos because they are not limited in the number of colors they can display.

GIF images can also be animated and saved as "animated GIFs," which are often used to display basic animations on websites. They may also include transparent pixels, which allow them to blend with different color backgrounds. However, pixels in a GIF image must be either fully transparent or fully opaque, so the transparency cannot be faded like a .PNG image.

NOTE: View more information about the GIF format.

Programs that open GIF files

Windows
CyberLink PowerDirector
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
Microsoft Windows Photos
Microsoft Windows Photo Viewer
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
ACD Systems Canvas
ACD Systems ACDSee
Nuance PaperPort
Nuance OmniPage
CorelDRAW
Corel PaintShop Pro
Roxio Creator
GIMP
CyberLink PowerProducer
Linux
GIMP
Opera
Adobe Acrobat
ImageMagick
vhf interservice Cenon
GDevelop
Android
Google Drive for Android
Apowersoft Phone Manager
Macintosh
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Apple Preview
Roxio Toast
Apple Safari
GIMP
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018
Laughingbird The Logo Creator
Smith Micro Stuffit Deluxe Mac
Opera
Microsoft Word for Mac
Adobe Acrobat
Apple Final Cut Pro
Corel Painter
iOS
Google Drive for iOS
Apple Safari

About GIF Files

Our goal is to explain what .gif file is used for for and how to open it.

File Graphical Interchange Format File usage cases for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS software listed on this page have been individually researched and verified using the FilesWiki team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and verified.