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

How Can I Open GIF File on Mac OS

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:

How to Open GIF File on iPhone or iPad

To open GIF File on iOS device follow steps below:

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GIF file article translations

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