Will the result move like a GIF animation?

No. A JPG contains a single still, so the output has one frame. Animation requires a sequence of pictures combined by separate software.

Why do photos look worse as GIF?

GIF limits each frame to 256 colors, while a photo uses thousands of shades. Smooth skies and skin tones break into visible steps, which is why JPG or WebP suit photos better.

Is the file actually encoded as GIF?

Yes. Canvas in current browsers has no GIF encoder and answers with PNG instead, so this tool writes the GIF itself, with a median-cut palette and LZW compression. Strict GIF readers open the result.

Does my JPG need to be small?

There is no limit enforced by the tool, but very large photos take longer to decode and redraw. Resizing first makes the whole process quicker.

Image manipulation toolsInstantPrivateNo account

JPG to GIF Converter

Saves a JPG as a genuine GIF89a, a palette format that keeps at most 256 colors, choosing the palette from your picture.

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About JPG to GIF

Saves a JPG as a genuine GIF89a, a palette format that keeps at most 256 colors, choosing the palette from your picture. It is meant for situations where a system explicitly asks for a .gif, and it works best on simple graphics; photographs tend to show banding when squeezed into a palette.

How to use it

Pick your JPG by clicking the dropzone or dragging the file onto it.
Inspect the preview to be sure the correct picture is loaded.
Press Convert to GIF. The tool has no options to adjust.
Save the finished file with Download GIF.

When to use it

Uploading a still to an older bulletin board that whitelists GIF extensions.
Trying a reduced-palette look for a retro graphic or a sticker.
Providing a first frame image for a slideshow that will be assembled elsewhere.

Good to know. The file starts with the ASCII text GIF89a, as a true GIF does. Check this when the receiving program is picky.

Questions about JPG to GIF

Will the result move like a GIF animation?: No. A JPG contains a single still, so the output has one frame. Animation requires a sequence of pictures combined by separate software.
Why do photos look worse as GIF?: GIF limits each frame to 256 colors, while a photo uses thousands of shades. Smooth skies and skin tones break into visible steps, which is why JPG or WebP suit photos better.
Is the file actually encoded as GIF?: Yes. Canvas in current browsers has no GIF encoder and answers with PNG instead, so this tool writes the GIF itself, with a median-cut palette and LZW compression. Strict GIF readers open the result.
Does my JPG need to be small?: There is no limit enforced by the tool, but very large photos take longer to decode and redraw. Resizing first makes the whole process quicker.

Related tools

Image manipulation toolsInstantPrivateNo account

JPG to GIF Converter

Saves a JPG as a genuine GIF89a, a palette format that keeps at most 256 colors, choosing the palette from your picture.

Back to category

WorkbenchClient-side · Private

Drop a JPG file hereor click to browse your files

.jpg allowed.

About JPG to GIF

How to use it

Pick your JPG by clicking the dropzone or dragging the file onto it.
Inspect the preview to be sure the correct picture is loaded.
Press Convert to GIF. The tool has no options to adjust.
Save the finished file with Download GIF.

When to use it

Uploading a still to an older bulletin board that whitelists GIF extensions.
Trying a reduced-palette look for a retro graphic or a sticker.
Providing a first frame image for a slideshow that will be assembled elsewhere.

Good to know. The file starts with the ASCII text GIF89a, as a true GIF does. Check this when the receiving program is picky.

Questions about JPG to GIF

Will the result move like a GIF animation?: No. A JPG contains a single still, so the output has one frame. Animation requires a sequence of pictures combined by separate software.
Why do photos look worse as GIF?: GIF limits each frame to 256 colors, while a photo uses thousands of shades. Smooth skies and skin tones break into visible steps, which is why JPG or WebP suit photos better.
Is the file actually encoded as GIF?: Yes. Canvas in current browsers has no GIF encoder and answers with PNG instead, so this tool writes the GIF itself, with a median-cut palette and LZW compression. Strict GIF readers open the result.
Does my JPG need to be small?: There is no limit enforced by the tool, but very large photos take longer to decode and redraw. Resizing first makes the whole process quicker.

Search tools

JPG to GIF Converter

About JPG to GIF

How to use it

When to use it

Questions about JPG to GIF

Will the result move like a GIF animation?

Why do photos look worse as GIF?

Is the file actually encoded as GIF?

Does my JPG need to be small?

Related tools

JPG to GIF Converter

About JPG to GIF

How to use it

When to use it

Questions about JPG to GIF

Will the result move like a GIF animation?

Why do photos look worse as GIF?

Is the file actually encoded as GIF?

Does my JPG need to be small?

Related tools