Why does my GIF look posterized?

GIF is an 8-bit format — we use a 216-color web-safe palette. Smooth gradients and photographs will band. For higher quality use a tool that supports per-frame median-cut palettes or 24-bit video.

How big a video can I convert?

Recommended under 30 MB and 10 seconds. Each frame is sampled via canvas, so very long videos produce large, slow GIFs. Cap duration with the slider to stay sane.

What does the encoder do?

We ship a self-contained GIF89a encoder with LZW compression, a global color table, and per-frame Graphic Control Extensions for delay. No external libraries, no workers, no uploads.

Why is the file size so large?

GIF is uncompressed-ish compared to modern video. A 3-second 320×180 GIF at 8 fps is typically 1–3 MB. Reduce fps, resolution, or duration to shrink it.

Can I make a GIF with transparent backgrounds?

Not yet — this encoder writes fully opaque frames. For transparency, use a dedicated GIF tool that supports per-frame transparency indices.

Is the video uploaded?

No. Frame sampling happens on a hidden canvas in your browser; the GIF bytes are assembled locally. DevTools → Network will show zero uploads.

Video to GIF

Turn a short clip into an animated GIF — fully in-browser.

100% private — no uploads Video & Audio ToolsFree & unlimited Read tutorial

See how it works

Watch a quick simulation of this tool in action — no file needed.

Video to GIF — in action

Drop a video or click to browse

1. Click the drop zone — pick a short video clip (MP4, WebM).

How to use Video to GIF

Follow these steps — everything happens instantly in your browser.

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Step 1. Drop a short video (under 30 MB recommended).
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Step 2. Choose frame rate (3–15 fps), max width (160–640 px), and duration (1–10 s).
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Step 3. Click “Build GIF” — we sample frames via canvas and encode them with a self-contained LZW GIF encoder.
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Step 4. Preview the GIF and download it.