Tips to open GIF file

Can't open the GIF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open GIF files as well as a list of programs that support GIF files.

GIF file extension

File Name Graphical Interchange Format
File Category Raster Image Files

The GIF file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GIF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GIF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is GIF file?

A .GIF file is an image file. It contains graphics in raster form. Gifs are mainly known to contain stop-motion animations. Besides, they are equipped with a lossless compression mechanism. Uses a palette of 256 colors. However, this palette is defined for a specific file, and the colors are indexed to that palette, so it is not visible with a well-constructed image. Additionally, it supports transparency, but does not allow its shading, the pixel may be either transparent or not.

How to open GIF file?

The main problem with Graphical Interchange Format is that the GIF file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that GIF files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GIF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Safari

In this case, you should first verify that the Safari application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Safari in it. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file GIF.

Programs to open GIF file

Remember to download programs supporting GIF files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Safari with GIF files

If, despite the installed application, the GIF file does not start in the Safari application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Safari application as the default for handling the GIF file.

Step 3. Update Safari to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Safari program, it is possible that Graphical Interchange Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the GIF file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The GIF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the GIF file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the GIF file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover GIF files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the GIF files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged GIF files. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted GIF files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the GIF file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the GIF file for a certain period of time. If nothing helps, please reset the device.