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PCDOTS Team ~ Published: 11-Oct-2024 ~ Convert ~ 7 Minutes Reading

How to Convert PNG File to GIF? Various Solutions

Do you wish to bring more attention to your PNG images? If yes, you must convert them to GIF files. GIF files are animation files that may convey any thoughts considerably more effectively than any static file type. In this article aim to help you find best solutions to convert PNG file to GIF. Keep reading to choose among the best methods.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) and GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) are both the image file type but their characteristics are almost different. While PNG files are good for transparency and color combinations, GIF files are best for multi-layered, multi-page styling. We have described some of the reasons why you should convert PNG to GIF and invite you to read them.

Reason to Convert PNG to GIF 

  • Smaller File Size: GIF files have a smaller file size when compared to other picture file types. This property can be handy when uploading photographs to the internet because it allows them to load faster without sacrificing quality.
  • A Professional Appearance: Animated GIF files can also support transparent backgrounds. This will also help to give a more professional appearance to a website that has animation on a different background.
  • Improve Message Conveyance: Animated GIFs convey any thought effectively. It may show movements and feelings that a standard image cannot. Take note that cartoons can readily entertain younger audiences, making them desire to pay close attention to details.

So, these are some of the advantages of GIF files that you may not have with PNG files. Now let’s have a look at the best way to convert PNG image to GIF.

How to Convert PNG File to GIF | Manual Ways

You have to use MS Paint of Adobe Photoshop application to manually and free convert PNG to GIF image. We have described simple steps to use both Photoshop and Paint to convert PNG image to animated GIF, please review them.

Method 1: Using MS Paint Application 

  • Open the Microsoft Paint app on your Windows device.
  • Click on the File >> Open tab to open your PNG image
  • After that, click again on File >> Save As
  • Name your output file and change Save As to GIF (*.gif)
  • Click the “Save” button to save the image as a GIF file.

So, this is how you may convert PNG to GIF animation on Windows 10 and other version using MS Paint. Now, let’s take a look at how we can do it using the Adobe application.

Method 2: Using Graphics Software (Adobe Photoshop)

If you prefer to have more control over the conversion process, you can use graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). Here’s how to do it using Photoshop:

  • Launch Adobe Photoshop and open the PNG file by clicking File > Open and selecting the PNG image.
  • If you want to make any adjustments or add effects to your image before converting it to a GIF, create a new layer by clicking the New Layer button in the Layers panel.
  • If you’re creating an animated GIF, you can set the duration for each frame by going to Window > Timeline and then selecting Create Animated Frame.
  • Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy). In the Save for Web dialog box, make sure the Format is set to GIF. Adjust settings such as dithering, colors, and transparency if needed.
  • Click the Save button to save the PNG file as a GIF.

These methods should help you manually convert PNG file to GIF animation based on your preferences and the tools you have available. However, you must also be aware of the limitations of these manual approach.

Limitation of the Manual Approach

  • The manual process is time consuming and hectic as well.
  • It allows you to convert only one image at a time and is not suitable for batch conversion.
  • MS Paint only saves images as GIFs, so the duplication of images will increase.

The solution to overcome all limitations of the manual approach is with our following approach.

Easy Way to Convert PNG Files to GIF Files

Image Converter Software is the solution that may easily overcome all the drawbacks of the manual approach. It allows you to convert PNG file to GIF in bulk while preserving the image quality. It is a complete image conversion solution that supports a wide range of image file types. It is Windows based and available for free. You can get this PNG to GIF converter from the link below and use it for free at first.

Download Now Purchase Now

It is easy to use and designed with many advanced features. We have listed all the working steps of the tool below and recommend you to check it out.

Steps to Bulk Convert PNG Images to GIF Files

  • Download, install and run the PNG to GIF converter on Windows.
    download png to gif converter
  • Hit Open button and then GIF Files. following that, click Choose Files / Choose Folders.
    choose png files or folders
  • Browse and import PNG files into the app and preview them, if needed.
    preview before convert png to gif
  • Click the Export button and select GIF files from the list of different options.
    select gif option
  • Click the Browse button to specify the destination path to keep the output.
    select destination path
  • Finally, click the Save button to convert PNG image to GIF.
    convert png file to gif
  • Once the PNG to GIF conversion is complete, you will be notified.
    conversion complete

So, this is how you can automatically convert PNG file to GIF. This method looks much better than the manual method because it saves time and is easy to use.

In Conclusion

We have brought you two best ways to convert PNG file to GIF. You can use MS Paint, however, this approach only lets you convert one image at a time. Alternatively, you can use the best PNG to GIF converter. This method can convert PNG image to animated GIF in bulk. You can follow each of the approaches above and think about which method works best for you.

You can download and use this PNG to GIF converter for free from the link above. If you have any question regarding the tool, feel free to ask us anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the difference between PNG and GIF?

A: PNG is a high-quality, lossless image format. GIF is a compressed format used for simple animations and graphics with a limited color palette.

Question 2: Why should i convert PNG file to GIF?

A: Converting PNG to GIF may be necessary when you want to create animations, reduce the file size for web use, or when compatibility with older software or web browsers with limited PNG support is required.

Question 3: Are there any restrictions when converting from PNG to GIF?

A: Yes, there are some limitations to consider. A GIF file has a limited color palette of 256 colors, so if your PNG file contains more colors, you may experience loss of color detail.

Question 4: What software can convert PNG to GIF?

A: Use graphics software (such as Photoshop), or professional PCDOTS PNG to GIF converter.

Question 5: Can I convert a GIF image to PNG again?

A: Yes, you can convert a GIF file back to a PNG file, but note that doing so may not restore the lost image quality or colors that occurred during the initial conversion to GIF.