How to Convert a Video to an Animated GIF
Load your video
Drag a video file onto the drop zone or click Select Video. The file is read with a hidden HTML5 video element when supported. For sensitive videos, confirm the active workflow before processing.
Set FPS, width, and clip range
Choose frames per second (5 to 30), an output width in pixels (height follows automatically to keep the aspect ratio), and a start time and duration in seconds so only the segment you want becomes a GIF.
Convert and download
Click Convert to GIF. The tool seeks to each frame, draws it to a canvas, then encodes a GIF89a file in JavaScript. A preview appears with frame count, dimensions, and size, ready to download.
What Each Setting Controls
Four settings shape both the look and the size of your GIF. Because GIF uses a 256-color palette and lossless LZW compression, width and frame count have the biggest effect on file size.
| Setting | Range / Default | Effect on output | Effect on file size |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPS | 5 to 30, default 15 | Higher values look smoother; lower values look choppier | Each extra frame adds size, so more FPS means a larger file |
| Width (px) | Default 480 | Sets output resolution; height is computed to keep aspect ratio | Strongest lever; halving width roughly quarters pixel count |
| Start time (s) | Default 0 | Picks where the clip begins within the source video | No direct effect; pairs with duration to bound the clip |
| Duration (s) | Default 10 | How many seconds are captured from the start point | Total frames equal duration times FPS, so shorter is smaller |
| Color palette | 256 colors, automatic | Each frame is quantized to a 256-color table | Fixed by the format; flat or simple scenes compress best |
Choosing Settings for Your Use Case
Social media reaction clip
Keep it short and snappy. Try 15 FPS, a width near 480 px, and a duration of 2 to 4 seconds. This stays smooth while keeping the file small enough to share easily.
Product or UI demo
Clarity matters more than smoothness. Use a wider output and 12 to 15 FPS, and trim with start time and duration so the GIF shows only the action you want to highlight.
Smallest possible file
Reduce the width first, then drop FPS to 8 to 10, and keep the duration under 5 seconds. Scenes with flat colors and little motion compress best under GIF's palette.
Smooth motion
For fast action, raise FPS toward 24 to 30 and accept a larger file. Pair a higher frame rate with a moderate width so the file stays manageable on the receiving end.
Common Problems and Fixes
The GIF is much larger than the original video
This is expected. GIF uses an older lossless LZW scheme and is far less efficient than modern video codecs. Lower the width, reduce FPS, and shorten the duration to bring the size down.
Colors look banded or washed out
Each frame is reduced to a 256-color palette, so gradients and photographic scenes can show banding. Clips with simpler, flatter colors reproduce more accurately than rich, detailed footage.
Conversion is slow or the tab feels stuck
Frames are extracted by seeking the video one frame at a time and encoding in JavaScript, so long clips, high FPS, or large widths take longer. Trim the clip and lower FPS or width, especially on mobile.
Error loading video or nothing happens
The tool relies on your browser's built-in video support, so a codec the browser cannot decode will fail. Try an MP4 with H.264, and confirm the file is recognized as a video before converting.