How to use it
- Drop in your JPGs.
- Each is converted using the best 256 colours for that picture.
- Download the GIFs.
Photos and the 256-colour limit
A JPG photo can contain hundreds of thousands of distinct colours. A GIF can hold 256. The converter analyses each image and chooses the 256 colours that represent it best, then maps every pixel to its nearest match. Skies and skin can show visible steps, called banding, and fine areas may look slightly grainy. That is the format's limit, not a fault in the conversion.
The result is also often larger than the JPG, because GIF's compression suits flat areas of colour, not photographic texture. If the destination accepts PNG or JPG, those are better for photos.
Making a moving GIF
Most people who search for JPG to GIF actually want an animation built from several photos. The GIF maker does that: add the pictures in order, set how long each shows, and it builds a looping GIF.
JPG and GIF compared
| JPG | GIF | |
|---|---|---|
| First released | 1992 | 1987 |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless, but 256 colours at most |
| Transparency | No | On or off only |
| Animation or pages | No | Animation |
| Best for | Photos for sharing, email and print | Simple animations |
| Support | Universal | Universal |
Questions people ask
Why is my GIF bigger than the JPG?
GIF compression works best on flat colour. Photos compress far better as JPG.
How do I make an animated GIF from JPGs?
Use the GIF maker and add the images in order.
Why does the GIF look grainy?
Colours are reduced to 256, and photos rarely fit neatly into that.