File Extension Database

Open GIF File

A GIF format and extension file is an image file typically used for web graphics.

GIF files has certain color limitations and can contain up to 256 indexed colors with a color palette that can be a predefined set of colors or can be tailored to the colors in the image.

Color indexing in GIF images is a technique for managing colors that have been added in a limited way, in order to save memory and computer storage, while speeding up screen refresh and file transfers.

GIF format is based on a form of quantified vector type compression.

GIFs are a common format for small-sized web graphics or images with embedded text.

Programmers also use GIF files for graphical interface elements, such as buttons or image links.

However, it is not recommended to use GIF files to display photos, due to the poor quality of color depth. For this purpose it is better to use JPEG images because they are not limited in the number of colors they can display.

GIF files are being used lately as part of the messages that can be sent on social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, since GIFs can hold small videos without audio.

With that said, GIF images can also be animated and saved as "animated GIFs", which are often used to display basic animations on websites.

GIF files are saved in a lossless format, which means that image clarity is not compromised by GIF compression.

GIF files are a universal format, which means that any updated web browser has the ability to play them. There is also a fairly large number of software packages that are used both to open a GIF file, and to create them, for example:

Typical GIF application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe -nohome
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -nohome
C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Opera.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Typical GIF mime types:

image/gif

Frequently used application names to open GIF files:

Internet Explorer
Opera
QuickTime
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

giffile
Opera.Image
QuickTime.gif
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.gif.14.0

How Can I Open GIF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open GIF file is to find a GIF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GIF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open GIF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as GIF file opener then try to search online for "GIF viewer", "application to open GIF file" or "open GIF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open GIF file

How Can I Open GIF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a GIF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a GIF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with GIF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as GIF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open GIF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open GIF file then try to search for "GIF viewer", "application to open GIF file" or "read GIF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read GIF file

How Can I Open GIF File on Android

If you downloaded a GIF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded GIF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "GIF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "GIF viewer", "GIF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open GIF File on iPhone or iPad

To open GIF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the GIF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "GIF". This way you can find apps which can open GIF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "GIF viewer" or "GIF file" online in your favorite search engine.