15 guides · Tested and sourced

GIF guides

Everything you need to understand and make GIFs. A GIF is a looping, silent image file created in 1987, and these guides explain how the format works, what its real limits are, and how to make or convert one step by step. Each how-to uses the same free tools you’ll find on GifRush, and each measurement comes from files we actually tested.

GIF basics

What GIFs are, where they came from, how to say the word, and how far the format can stretch. Start with What a GIF is.

GIF basics · 4 min read

What does GIF stand for and where did it come from?

GIF basics · 5 min read

What is a GIF and how does it work?

GIF basics · 5 min read

How do you pronounce GIF correctly?

GIF basics · 4 min read

What does GIF mean in a text message?

GIF basics · 5 min read

How long can a GIF be and what limits its length?

GIF basics · 4 min read

What is the longest GIF ever made?

GIF basics · 4 min read

What is a GIF file and when should you use one?

Making and converting GIFs

Step-by-step guides for making GIFs from video, photos and Live Photos, and for converting them back. Start with How to make a GIF.

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to make a GIF from a video

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to make a GIF from scratch

GIF creation · 4 min read

How to turn a GIF into an MP4 video

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to turn a Live Photo into a GIF

GIF creation · 4 min read

How to turn a GIF into a Live Photo

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to create an animated GIF that loops smoothly

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to make a GIF from a YouTube video

GIF creation · 5 min read

How to convert an MP4 to a GIF

Ready to make something? Browse all GIF tools, the GIF Converter or the GIF Editor.