GIF

Overview

GIF stores indexed color images with lossless LZW compression and supports looping animation. Its 256-color palette and 1-bit transparency limit quality, but its compatibility keeps it useful for small icons and simple animations.

Typical use cases

• Simple animations
• Small icons
• Memes and short clips
• Legacy image exchange

Advantages

• Designed for simple animations
• Lossless storage
• Open specification
• Browser support: Universal

Disadvantages

• 256-color palette
• Large file sizes for animation
• 1-bit transparency only

How to open or use it

Open GIF files with an application that supports image/gif. Full editing in image tools. For delivery, use a viewer or converter that reads gif.