How to convert a GIF to JPG, PNG, WebP or AVIF
Which format to turn a GIF into, how much smaller each one is, what happens to animation and transparency, and how to keep an animated GIF.
· 3 min read
GIF dates from 1987. It holds at most 256 colours per frame, which is fine for a simple animation or a logo but makes photos large and banded. Converting a still GIF to a modern format makes it smaller and opens it in more apps. Which format to pick depends on what the GIF shows and where it’s going.
Which format to choose
| Convert to | Best for | Transparency | Smaller by, in our test |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Photos for any app or upload form | No: becomes white | 55–79% |
| PNG | Logos, icons and anything you’ll edit | Yes | 15–32% |
| WebP | Images on a website | Yes | 61–85% |
| AVIF | The smallest website images | Yes | 78–93% |
We converted six photo GIFs, 800 pixels wide, with Graviton’s default settings. Photos gain the most, because GIF stores them so poorly. A flat logo or icon is already small as a GIF, so expect much less, and pick PNG to keep its edges crisp.
What happens to animation
Graviton converts the first frame of a GIF. An animated GIF becomes a still image in JPG, PNG, WebP or AVIF. To keep the animation and still make the file smaller, use Compress GIF, which keeps the GIF format and every frame.
What happens to quality
- No colours come back. A GIF never had more than 256 colours, so banding in skies and skin stays after converting. The new file looks the same, at a smaller size.
- PNG is lossless. Every pixel of the frame is kept exactly, transparent areas included.
- JPG, WebP and AVIF are lossy, at quality settings that look the same as the GIF on screen. Check the before and after; for a logo with sharp edges, PNG is the safe choice.
Common questions
Can I convert several GIFs at once?
Yes. Drop several files or a whole folder onto any converter, and download them one by one or as a ZIP that keeps your folders.
Are my GIFs uploaded?
No. Graviton runs in your browser, so your images never leave your device. See how privacy works.