Which PNG images convert well to GIF
GIF stores up to 256 colors. A PNG can hold millions, so the result depends on what is in your image.
| PNG content | Result as GIF |
|---|---|
| Flat logo or icon | Looks the same |
| Pixel art and sprites | Usually identical |
| Screenshot | Text stays sharp, gradients may show steps |
| Photo | Visible banding or a fine dot pattern |
| Soft shadow or glow | Hard edge around the shape |
If your PNG is really a photo, GIF is a poor fit. Keep it as PNG or JPG unless the system you upload to accepts nothing else.
PNG to GIF and transparency
PNG supports partial transparency: an edge can be 40% visible, which makes curves and shadows look smooth. GIF has only two states per pixel, fully clear or fully solid.
During conversion, every pixel is set to one of those two states. On a white page the difference is hard to see. On a dark background, a light rim can appear around rounded shapes and text.
- Remove drop shadows and glows from the PNG before converting.
- If you know the final background color, place the logo on that color in your editor first.
- Check the GIF on the real page before you replace the old file.
Still images only
A PNG holds one picture, so the GIF has one frame. This tool does not join several PNG files into an animation.
Already have a GIF and need PNG again? Use GIF to PNG. For photos that must be GIF, JPG to GIF works the same way. If the GIF comes out too large, shrink the PNG first with Resize Image, since fewer pixels mean a smaller file.
Before a big batch, convert one typical image, open it at full size and compare it with the PNG side by side.