png-to

PNG to GIF converter

Convert PNG to GIF with a 256-color palette and transparency, right in your browser. Turn on dithering if your image has gradients.

How to convert PNG to GIF

  1. Add your PNG filesDrag them onto the box, click it to browse, or paste an image from your clipboard. You can add up to 50 files at a time.
  2. Choose your GIF optionsTurn on dithering if gradients look banded. Optionally limit the longest side of the image. Results update as you change the options, and you can see the file size before and after for every image.
  3. Download the resultSave files one by one, or use Download all as ZIP when you've converted several.

About PNG to GIF conversion

GIF is limited to 256 colors per image, so converting a full-color PNG means choosing the 256 colors that best represent it. That works well for logos, icons and flat illustrations, and less well for photos and smooth gradients, which show banding.

This tool creates a single-frame GIF. It builds the palette with a median-cut algorithm and, if you enable dithering, scatters the leftover color error to make gradients look smoother at the cost of a larger file. If you need animation, build it from several frames in a dedicated animation tool.

What happens to transparency

GIF transparency is on or off, with no partial transparency. Pixels that are more than about half transparent become fully transparent and the rest become fully opaque, so soft shadows turn into hard edges. If that looks wrong, convert to PNG or WebP instead.

When GIF is the right choice

  • Legacy systems, forums and email clients that expect GIF
  • Simple flat graphics with a limited palette
  • Small icons and badges where file size matters

When to use something else

  • Photographs, which will look banded or grainy
  • Images with soft shadows or semi-transparent edges
  • Anywhere you can use PNG or WebP, which look better

PNG and GIF compared

PNGGIF
ColorsMillions256 per image
TransparencySmooth, 8-bit alphaOn or off, 1-bit
AnimationNo (APNG is separate)Yes, but not created by this tool
Size for flat artSmallOften small
Size for photosLargeLarge and low quality

Frequently asked questions

Why does my GIF look grainy or banded?

GIF can only use 256 colors, so smooth gradients are approximated. Try the dithering option, which trades a larger file for smoother-looking gradients.

Does this make an animated GIF?

No. It converts one PNG into a single-frame GIF. For animation you'll need a tool that combines several frames.

What happens to soft shadows and semi-transparent edges?

GIF only supports fully transparent or fully opaque pixels, so semi-transparent areas become hard-edged. Place the image on its final background color before converting if the edges look rough.

Is GIF smaller than PNG?

For flat graphics with few colors it can be, but a well-compressed PNG is often smaller or equal. For photos, GIF is larger and lower quality.

Are my files uploaded?

No. The conversion runs in your browser, so your images never leave your device.

How many PNG files can I convert at once?

Up to 50 files, each up to 100 MB. Add them together and download everything as a ZIP.

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