How do I Make GIF File Size Smaller?

Vikas Solutions

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is an animated file that consists of multiple image frames bundled into a single file. It was first released in 1987, around 33 years ago.

You must have probably noticed that GIF files are still commonly used across social media platforms, web pages to deliver quick humors, memes, ideas, or messages. Most often, they’re integrated into messaging apps, much like emojis. GIF files are very popular because they don’t buffer, take minimal storage space, and quickly upload on the Internet. In contrast, video files usually occupy a significant portion of your storage and take longer time to buffer.

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While GIFs serve their purpose, they are video-only files. They do not hold any audio. They hold up to 256 colors only. There are other limitations as well.

Why is my GIF file size so large? How do I make it smaller?

The final release of the GIF format dates back to 1989, which makes it a terribly outdated format. GIF files do not support data compression and semi-transparency. As a result, they take up a little bit more storage space compared to modern formats that compress your data and are fine-tuned to take less storage.

But don’t worry; you can still optimize your GIF files to make them smaller. You’ll need to install and subscribe to Adobe Photoshop to use some of the most advanced photo editing features. As Photoshop lets you view and configure each aspect of a GIF file, you can change it the way you like. It is the best method to edit a GIF file. If you don’t know how to use Photoshop or don’t wish to use it at all, we’ve got you covered as well. Skip to Method 2 below where you’ll learn how to optimize a GIF with a free online GIF optimizer.

Important: We recommend creating a backup of your GIF file prior to making any changes. The backup shall protect you in the event your original GIF file is distorted or corrupted.

Method 1: Using Adobe Photoshop

Trim the Animation

Trimming is the process of cutting a set of picture frames from the GIF to lower its size. Trimming involves removing unwanted things from the animation or video to improve the user experience and take lesser storage.

  1. Open Adobe Photoshop.
  2. Click on File and select Open.
  3. Select the GIF file you want to open. If the file name does not appear on the screen, you might want to select the All files option in the drop-down box on the bottom right.
  4. Once your file is successfully loaded, click on the Window tab, and choose Timeline.
  5. Photoshop will display a floating window called Timeline Panel.
  6. Click on the Timeline Panel Menu (four horizontal lines) at the far top right corner of the Timeline floating window.
  7. Make sure that the Loop Playback feature is enabled.
  8. Click on the Play icon in the Timeline Panel window, and pause at the position you want to trim your GIF animation.
  9. Drag over the duration bar to specify the start and end positions.
  10. Click the Cut icon to trim a specific set of picture frames.

Reduce Image Sizes

You can try different sets of image dimensions, height-width ratios and lower image resolutions to make a significant difference in the optimized file size.

  1. Click on the Image menu, select Image Size. You can also use the keyboard shortcut: Alt + Ctrl + I.
  2. In the Image Size dialog box, you’ll be able to see the actual image size.
  3. You can try one of the following:
    1. Change the image dimensions
    2. Set lower height-width in terms of pixels
    3. Set a lower image resolution
  4. Click on OK to apply the changes.

Export Smaller Version for Web

Photoshop has an Export to Web feature that optimizes file dimensions so that your file fits into the web page and takes less time to load the web page.

  1. Click on the File menu, and select Export.
  2. Choose Save for Web. You can also use the keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + Ctrl + S.
  3. In the new Save for Web dialog, you will be able to configure the presets, color, dither, mette, allow or disallow transparency, interlaced, web snap, color table and metadata. You can remove the metadata information to lower the file size.
  4. Once you’re done, click on the Save button.

Lower down your Picture Frames

There are different variations of sizes of picture frames. Setting lower picture frames will allow you to reduce the GIF file size. But don’t forget, incorrectly setting your picture frames can distort your artwork.

  1. Open the Timeline Panel.
  2. Click the arrow next to the Create Video Timeline icon.
  3. Choose Create Frame Animation.
  4. Photoshop will display all the frames in your GIF file alongside each frame’s unique number.
  5. Select a frame and click on the Delete (Trash) icon.

Optimize Colors

A GIF file can contain upto 256 colors. Keeping a lower number of colors will help you considerably reduce the GIF file size.

  1. In the Layer Stack Panel, set the solid color fill.
  2. Click on File, select Export.
  3. Select Save for Web.
  4. Specify a name for your preset.
  5. Set the Colors mode to Auto.
  6. Set the Dither to 100%.
  7. Enable the Transparency effect.
  8. Set the Web Snap and Lossy to 0% and 0 respectively.
  9. Underneath the above settings, you’ll see Color Table with boxes previewing different colors used in the GIF.
  10. Select a color from the Color Table and click the Delete (Trash) icon.

Compare Original & Optimized Versions

After optimizing your GIF file, it’s equally important to compare the original and optimized versions using the 2-Up View feature to ensure no significant picture quality loss.

  1. Open the Save for Web dialog box again.
  2. Click on the 2-Up tab.
  3. Photoshop will split the dialog into two parts- the topmost part will display your original GIF and the optimized version will appear underneath it.

Method 2: Using Free Online GIF Optimizers

Using GifGifs

  1. Visit http://gifgifs.com/optimizer/ website.
  2. Click on Upload GIF and select the GIF file stored on your hard disk. If your GIF file is already available online, simply click on Paste image URL and insert the file link. (To get link of your GIF, you’ll need to right-click it and select Copy image link)
  3. Choose a parameter to optimize your GIF:
    1. Lossy GIF level 30 (slight) [Recommended]
    2. Lossy GIF level 80 (medium)
    3. Lossy GIF level 140 (heavy)
  4. You can experiment with different parameters above to achieve a balance between file size and quality.
  5. Once your GIF file is processed, download it.

Vikas

Vikas is a technology enthusiast who loves writing articles on computers and technology. He writes on various topics related to software, software reviews, troubleshooting and tips & tricks to make people's digital lives better.