How to open GIF files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open GIF file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate GIF files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
GIF File Extension
- File type Graphical Interchange Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) GIF file?
The GIF extension is a web graphics format that consists of small pictures and common short animations. GIF files do not use compression, which means that the clarity of the image does not deteriorate, but the limited color palette makes the image look better in a format such as JPG or PNG than GIF.
How to open GIF file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .GIF files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports GIF files
In order to open GIF file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with GIF extension.
Programs that can open GIF files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, GIF files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on GIF files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to GIF files.
Step 2. Associate given software with GIF files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting GIF files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with GIF files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open GIF files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open GIF files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to GIF files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the GIF file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with GIF extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the GIF file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the GIF file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on GIF files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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