Convert GIF Files on Mac
GIF is an image format using the .gif extension. Consul converts GIF files to 29 other formats, and 53 formats to GIF. Rename a file's extension in Finder and Consul handles the conversion automatically.
What is GIF?
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) was introduced by CompuServe in 1987 and is best known today for short looping animations. It applies lossless LZW compression but is limited to a 256-color palette and supports simple transparency, which keeps files small yet makes it poorly suited to photographs. Animated GIFs remain a staple of memes and reactions online.
GIF uses lossless compression, so files shrink without losing any information and decode back to the original data exactly. It supports both transparency and animation.
GIF was developed by CompuServe.
Opening GIF files on a Mac
Quick Look previews GIF files. Select one in Finder and press Space. Preview opens GIF files. For a one-off conversion, Preview can also export GIF to JPEG, PNG, TIFF and PDF.
Consul supports 82 conversions for GIF
Consul is the easiest way to convert GIF files on your Mac, or to turn other files into GIF. Rename file.gif to change its extension, and Consul converts it automatically.