If you’ve spent any significant amount of time on the web, you know how many different image types there are. Two of the most popular types are JPG and GIF files, both representing very different ways to view images online.
But which is the best way to send an image online, and when should each be used? Keep reading for a full guide on when to use a GIF file, and when not.
What Is a GIF File?
A GIF file is one of the most popular ways to save images on a computer, especially for web use.
GIF files are lossless, meaning the original image does not lose any of its quality through editing and repeated saves. While they’re not the best choice for photographs, GIF files are frequently used to save computer-generated images consisting of pixels, like logos and banner images. They’re great at showing off pronounced linework and color in drawn images.
However, GIF files are best used on images with fewer colors. This is why it’s best not to use a GIF file for photographs. The GIF format will often confuse colors, making for a less authentic, messier output.
Using a GIF file format ensures that every pixel is clear without blurring or color loss. This also means that GIF files don’t compress very well. This makes for very large filesizes on larger GIF images, leading most people to use GIFs for smaller, lower-res images.
GIF files have one very special advantage over PNGs, JPGs, and all other file types: GIF images can move. When most people think of GIFs, they think of the moving images of TV shows and movies that you can send over various messengers. This is done by combining multiple frames of a video into a single GIF file.
How Do I Pronounce GIF?
There’s an age-old argument on the internet: Is it pronounced GIF, or JIFF?
According to the person who created the GIF file format, it’s meant to be pronounced JIF with a ‘J’. However, the Oxford English Dictionary claims both are correct, as the terms are used interchangeably. There really is no concrete answer, so however you want to pronounce it, you do you.
What Is a JPG File?
JPG, also known as JPEG, is another of the most popular image files, but with significant differences to GIFs.
JPG files are more commonly used for photographs and large images than GIFs. This is because JPG files are easy to compress into smaller sizes. JPGs, however, are “lossy” files, meaning the image does not preserve itself as well when edited, converted, or saved multiple times.
The smaller you make the file size of a JPG, the more loss you’ll see. However, the smaller the file size the easier it is to share an image across the web. This is why JPG is used so frequently in web design.
While the file will lose quality, it’s often not noticeable enough to make a big difference. It all depends on how large the file was to start with, and how much you’re compressing it.
Which File Type Should I Use?
Now that you know the differences between the GIF file format and JPGs, which should you use?
Whether you use a GIF or a JPG really depends on what you’re trying to do. If you’re trying to send a small image over the web (through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc.) then a compressed JPG is your best option. If you’re trying to send a moving image in the same way, or upload a computer-generated graphic to a webpage, a GIF file is often the best choice.
In web design, both image types are often used. A GIF might be used for a static logo, banner images, or throughout the site to display other computer-generated images. Any photographs on your site will do better in the JPG file format as they’ll speed up the website’s loading time, and look better in general.
GIFs should be relegated for smaller, computer-generated images of lower resolution due to the large file sizes. JPGs are a lot more flexible and can be used in almost any other circumstance.
Can I Convert GIF to JPG?
If you have a GIF file you’d rather be a JPG file, or vice-versa, you can easily convert one to the other.
The easiest way to do this is probably through an online conversion tool. By simply Googling “convert GIF to JPG” (or the other way around, JPG to GIF) you’ll find dozens of tools that do exactly that. Many of them will show you previews before the conversion, let you pick the quality you want, and even let you make some basic edits.
You can convert GIF files, JPGs, and plenty more file types at Offdrive.com. We’re completely free, and take all the hassle out of file conversion.
You can also open a JPG or GIF file saved to your computer using Paint or another editing program and re-save it as a GIF or JPG. Note, you’ll probably see some quality loss when going from JPG to GIF. GIF to JPG will turn out a lot better, as GIF is a lossless format.
The Wide World of Internet Images
Whether you’re a web designer or a casual browser, you’re bound to see a lot of GIFs and JPGs on your journey across the web. Now that you know the difference between a GIF file and a JPG, you’re better equipped to deal with each. If you need to convert any of these files real quick, you know where to go.
Visit our website to convert any filetype you’ve got, from PDF to GIF to JPEG and more. It’s free, it’s fast, and it’s easy.