What happens when you convert JPG to GIF
| Compression | Lossy → Lossless |
|---|---|
| File size | Usually several times larger for photos |
| Colours | Reduced to a 256-colour palette |
| Metadata | EXIF, GPS location and camera data are not copied to the new file |
| Opens in | every browser, chat app and email client |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
JPG Joint Photographic Experts Group
JPG (also written JPEG) is the most widely supported photo format. Its lossy compression discards detail the eye is less sensitive to, which makes photos small enough for email, upload forms and print services that accept nothing else.
JPG converterGIF Graphics Interchange Format
GIF is a 1987 format limited to a 256-colour palette per frame. It survives because it animates everywhere: chat apps, email clients and forums all play GIFs without a video player.
GIF converterHow to use the JPG to GIF Converter
- 1
Click Choose files or drop your JPG images onto the page.
- 2
Adjust the GIF options if needed. The defaults work well for most images.
- 3
Click Convert, then download each GIF or all of them as a ZIP.
Why convert JPG to GIF?
JPG is what most cameras, websites and phones set to Most Compatible hand you, so it is the usual starting point for photos. It cannot store transparency and every re-save loses a little more detail. Choose GIF when the result has to loop in a chat app, forum or email client without a video player.
JPG to GIF settings
GIF output is limited to 256 colours, which is ideal for simple graphics but can show banding in photos. You can also cap the width and height, which resizes large photos in the same step.
Frequently asked questions
Will the GIF lose quality?
GIF is lossless, so the conversion keeps every pixel or sample that is in your JPG file. It cannot bring back detail that JPG compression already removed, and the GIF file will usually be larger.
Will the GIF be smaller than the JPG?
No, usually larger for photos: as a rough guide, the GIF comes out at around 4.0× the size of the JPG, depending on the quality setting.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.