Like the JPEG or PNG file formats, the GIF format can be used to make still images. But the GIF format has a special feature—it can also be used to create animated images like the one below. We say “animated images” because GIFs aren’t really videos.

What is the purpose of a GIF?

A GIF is a lossless format for image files that supports both animated and static images. It was the standard for 8-bit colour images on the internet until PNG became a viable alternative. You may have seen them used often in email signatures. Animated GIFs are several images or frames combined into a single file.

What does it mean to create a GIF?

Here’s an example of a GIF file in action: GIF stands for Graphics Interchange Format. GIF Meaning: A form of computer image that moves as an animation, because it consists of frames, like a movie with no sound. Basically I took a bunch of photos and created a mini animated display for all of them in a certain order.