How to open a GIF on a computer. Opening GIF files

Senior Technology Writer

Someone sent you a email GIF file and you don't know how to open it? Maybe you found a GIF file on your computer and wondered what it was? Windows may tell you that you cannot open it, or in the worst case, you may encounter a corresponding error message associated with the GIF file.

Before you can open a GIF file, you need to find out what kind of file the GIF file extension is.

Tip: Incorrect GIF file association errors can be a symptom of other underlying issues within your Windows operating system. These invalid entries can also produce associated symptoms such as slow Windows startups, computer freezes, and other PC performance issues. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you scan your Windows registry for invalid file associations and other issues related to a fragmented registry.

Answer:

GIF files have Files raster images, which is primarily associated with Graphic Interchange Format.

GIF files are also associated with Unknown Apple II File (found on Golden Orchard Apple II CD Rom) and FileViewPro.

Additional file types may also use the GIF file extension. If you are aware of any other file formats that use the GIF file extension, please contact us so we can update our information accordingly.

How to open your GIF file:

The fastest and easy way Opening your GIF file means double-clicking on it. IN in this case Windows will choose the necessary program to open your GIF file.

In case your GIF file does not open, it is very likely that the necessary software is not installed on your PC. application program to view or edit files from GIF extensions.

If your PC opens a GIF file but in the wrong program, you will need to change the file association settings in your Windows registry. In other words, Windows associates GIF file extensions with the wrong program.

Install optional products - FileViewPro (Solvusoft) | | | |

GIF Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME):

• mime image/gif

GIF File Analysis Tool™

Not sure what type of GIF file is? Do you want to get precise information about a file, its creator and how it can be opened?

Now you can instantly get all necessary information about the GIF file!

Revolutionary GIF File Analysis Tool™ scans, analyzes and reports detailed information about the GIF file. Our patent-pending algorithm will quickly analyze the file and within seconds provide detailed information in a clear and easy way readable format.†

In just a few seconds, you'll know exactly what type of GIF file you have, the application associated with the file, the name of the user who created the file, the file's protection status, and more. useful information.

To start your free file analysis, simply drag and drop your GIF file inside dotted line below or click "Browse My Computer" and select a file. The GIF file analysis report will be shown below, right in the browser window.

Drag the GIF file here to start analysis

View my computer »

Please also check my file for viruses

Your file is being analyzed... please wait.

GIF files are graphic format raster type, which can be used for both static and animated images. Let's see in which applications you can open GIFs.

Two types of software work with GIFs: programs for viewing pictures and graphic editors. All of them are divided into installed applications and built into the operating system.

Method 1: XnView

First, let's figure out how to view GIF images in image viewers that need installation on a PC, using XnView as an example.

There is also another option for viewing an object in this program. For this we will use the built-in file manager.

As you can see, having a file manager makes it much easier to find and view the desired object in XnView. The program is cross-platform, that is, it is suitable for viewing GIFs not only exclusively Windows users. In addition, she has a huge amount various functions and tools that help you view and process pictures, including GIF format. But this is also the “minus” of the application. A large number of rarely used functions can be confusing inexperienced user, and also contribute to the fact that XnView takes up a relatively large amount of hard drive space.

Method 2: Faststone Image Viewer

Another image viewer that needs to be installed beforehand is Faststone. Image Viewer. What options are there to watch GIFs in it?

This application also allows you to open a GIF image in two ways: through the menu and through the built-in file manager.

Now let’s figure out how to view a GIF not through the opening window, but exclusively using the built-in file manager.

As you can see, Faststone is no less convenient application to view GIFs than XnView. Only with Faststone, in any case, even if the launch occurs through a specialized window, to directly open the file you will have to go to the file manager, but with XnView these options are clearly separated. At the same time, the interface of the Faststone window itself is more familiar than that of the previous program. It has equally developed functionality for viewing and processing GIFs.

Method 3: Windows Photo Viewer

Now let's figure out how to view a GIF with a standard viewer Windows photos, which is already built into the operating system by default. Let's consider the option of working for the operating system. In other OS versions the steps may be slightly different.

But, if another application for viewing images is installed on your computer, which is associated with GIF format, and the user wants to launch the GIF using a standard viewer, then this will be quite problematic. This is due to the fact that, oddly enough, the standard viewer does not have its own executable file. However, the problem can be solved by entering the code into the window "Run".

As you can see, opening GIFs with the standard Windows photo viewer is quite inconvenient. It lacks the ability to launch an object through the application interface. Therefore, you have to use the command input through the window "Run". In addition, in comparison with the above programs this remedy viewing is very short in functionality, and even with a minimum of image processing capabilities. Therefore, to view GIF images, it is still recommended to install a specialized program, for example, one of those described above.

Method 4: Gimp

Now it's time to move on to a description of opening GIF images in graphic editors. Unlike viewers, they have significantly more tools for editing images, including GIFs. One of the best free graphics editors is Gimp. Let's see how to launch objects with the named extension in it.

In addition, the desired object can be opened by simply dragging it from Windows Explorer V work area Gimp windows. To do this, mark the name of the picture in Conductor, hold down the left mouse button and drag the GIF into the Gimp window. The picture will be displayed in the program and will be available for processing as if it had been opened through the application menu.

As you can see, launching a GIF object in the Gimp editor is not particularly difficult, since it is intuitive and similar to similar actions in most other applications. In addition, Gimp has in its arsenal a large set of tools for editing GIFs, which is almost as good as its paid counterparts.

Method 5: Adobe Photoshop

But the most famous graphic editor is still Adobe Photoshop. True, unlike the previous one, it is paid. Let's see how to open GIF files in it.

You can open an object in Photoshop by dragging from Windows Explorer, following the same rules that we talked about when describing actions in the Gimp application. Then the familiar message about the absence of a built-in profile will be launched. After selecting the actions, the picture itself will open.

It should be noted that Adobe Photoshop is still slightly superior in functionality and GIF editing capabilities. free editor Gimp. But at the same time, this superiority is not very significant. Therefore, many users prefer to make do free analogue, instead of purchasing Photoshop.

Method 6: Paint

In the operating room Windows system its own standard analogue of the two previous programs is built in. This is a graphic editor called Paint. Let's see how you can use it to open GIF.

You can drag the image from Conductor, as it was done using the example of previous graphic editors: mark the image in Conductor, click left button mouse and drag it into the Paint window.

But there is another option for launching GIFs in Paint via Windows Explorer , which is not available for other programs. This method is the fastest. Let's go to Conductor to the area where the image is placed on the hard drive. Right-click on the picture. In the context list, select the option "Change". The picture will be displayed through the Paint interface.

In general, Paint, of course, is significantly inferior in functionality to Adobe Photoshop, Gimp and most other third-party analogues. At the same time, it has the necessary basic tools, thanks to which Paint can be considered a full-fledged graphics editor, capable of solving most problems in editing GIF images. The main advantage of this program is that it does not need to be installed, since it is already included in the basic Windows package.

Method 7: File Viewers

In addition, there is a separate group of applications whose purpose is to provide the ability to view files of various, unrelated formats (documents, tables, images, archives, etc.). One such application is File Viewer Plus. Let's determine how to view a GIF in it.

You can drag a picture from Conductor into the File Viewer window.

The good thing about the application is that it can be used not only to view gifs and other types of images, but also to view documents, spreadsheets and other types of files. At the same time, its versatility is also a “minus”, since File Viewer has fewer functions for processing specific file types than specialized programs. In addition, this application can be used for free for only 10 days.

This is far from full list programs that can work with the GIF format. Almost all modern image viewers and graphic editors can handle this. Here's a choice specific program depends on the task at hand: viewing a picture or editing it. In the first case, you should use a viewer, and in the second, a graphic editor. In addition, the level of complexity of the task also plays a significant role. For simple tasks you can use the built-in Windows applications, and for more complex ones you will have to install additional software.

If you don’t yet know what a “GIF” is and how to open a GIF file, then today we will take a closer look at this file and find out how and with what you can open it this format file.

First, let's figure out what kind of file this is and what it essentially is. So, GIF is a file that is used to exchange images. This format also supports various types animations, including transparent ones.

This format, in given time often used for any advertising on websites. For example, if you take several photographs and process them in the program, you can make sequential images that will change. You can also make photos cyclical - when the pictures are shown continuously in their sequence, starting from the first picture.

We’ve sorted out the format itself, now let’s move on to the topic of the article, how GIFs are opened.

Opening a gif file through browsers

“GIFs” are always opened either through web browsers or through graphic editors. There are a lot of browsers and editors, so don’t worry, you’ll open the file anyway.

Let's figure out step by step how to open GIF animation. First we will try to open it through the browser that you have on your computer. For example, I have a browser installed Google Chrome, let's launch it.

Now left-click on the GIF and, without releasing the button, drag it into the window open browser, then release the button.

This file will now be displayed in the browser. If you have a different browser, try the same steps in it.

XnView program

You can install the program XnView , as the default photo viewer, that is, when you click on any image double click mouse, all files will automatically open in XnView.

When you already have it on your computer, open the program and select “Tools” and “Options” from the menu.

In the options on the left, click "Associations".

Here you need to specify the type of files that will be associated with this program. We look for “CompuServe GIF”, check the box on the left. If you use this program constantly, then indicate other formats that you are going to open using this program.

After all changes have been made, click “OK” to save your actions.

Now double-click on the GIF. If everything was done correctly, then this file will open in this program.

I think from this article you understand how to open GIF and what this procedure does not require any technical nuances.

P.S.: Example GIF:

For those who want to experiment a little:

The term GIF ( Graphics Interchange Format listen)) was introduced in the late 80s by one of the leading American companies called CompuServe, which was later bought by AOL.

Why use a GIF image?

The GIF editor can express everything from emotions to commercial and marketing ideas. GIF images catch the eye of potential customers when browsing your website.

Use a GIF to express your style. And also used to create a brand of a company, service or product. There are many resources available on the Internet to help you create GIFs.

Top 10 Best GIF Creator Tools

First, let's list the best software products.

The first program on the list is Wondershare Filmora. She is considered one of best programs to create videos and GIFs. It is easy to use and provides many functions and more than 100 visual effects. As well as full control over audio and video settings.

• Easy to use;
• Allows you to create GIFs from static images;
• Allows you to create GIF from videos of any format, for example, AVI, MPEG, WAV, DAT, EVO, MKV, MP4, WMV, etc.;
• Allows you to edit GIF using commands such as crop, combine, rotate, speed up, slow down, color correction;
• Allows you to edit GIFs with amazing effects, text and subtitles.

2.Photoscape

There are many things you can do with Photoscape interesting effects in your videos. The GIF editor includes the following tools and features:

• Editor;
• View;
• Animated GIFs;
• Color selection;
• Framing;
• Filters.

Pros: easy to use.
Cons: a little slow.

3.Gifted Motion

Uses Java and can work in all operating systems. No installation required.

• Allows you to edit images;
• Supports PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF;
• No license required.

Pros: The program is easy to use.
Cons: Loading images large size takes some time.

4. SSuite Gif Animator

GIF editor compatible with all Windows editions, including 32 and 64-bit versions. This is one of the few programs designed using green information technology (Green Software) .

Create movies, slideshows, animated GIFs and more.

Pros: consumes little device power, easy to use.
Cons: Incomplete control over the editing process.

Online services for creating GIFs

Exists large number online services that allow you to create GIF images. One of the problems with such resources is privacy and watermarking. Therefore, please pay attention to the terms of service before downloading images.

5.Picasion

Picasion allows you to import photos or videos from Picasa, Flickr or any other gallery. This service Available in multiple languages ​​including English, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. You can adjust the size of images, create and add your own avatar.

Pros: easy to use free GIF editor, supports many formats.
Cons: displays a large number of advertisements.

6. GifPal

An easy-to-use GIF maker.

• Frame speed adjustment.
• Editing the timeline.
• 30 effects.
• Up to 20 frames.
• No watermarks on photos.

Pros: free tool with beneficial effects.
Cons: Animated GIF editor requires internet access to use.

7. Gickr

Gickr makes it easy to create your own GIF images by downloading them from an image gallery or from a Flicker, YouTube, Picasa account. The service provides safe browsing, and it's effective.

Pros: free.
Cons: Internet access required.

8. MakeAGif

Create your own GIFs and enjoy fantastic features in a safe environment.

Pros: Easy to use and free.
Cons: Not intended for children, may contain adult content.

9. Gimp

A free service that allows you to edit images and create GIFs.

Pros: Available online and free.
Cons: Not as effective as some other programs.

10.UnFREEz

A wonderful program that allows you to create creative GIF images. There's nothing complicated about it user interface, and it's not as rich as some more powerful programs.

Pros: The GIF image editor is easy to use.
Cons: no additional features.

The translation of the article “Top 10 Best Free GIF Creator” was prepared by the friendly project team.

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