Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) is an image file format typically used for transfer of images and animations across the internet. It was created in 1987 by computer scientist Steve Wilhite, while working at CompuServe. GIF supports up to 8 bits of color, allowing for a total of 256 colors, and uses lossless compression for maximum image quality. The format has since become widespread, due to its widespread use across the web.
GIFs are commonly used as a way to share images and animations on social media sites, websites, and discussion forums. They can also be used to create simple animations, such as animated icons or banners. Animated GIFs in particular have become popular for creating small, brief animations that can be easily shared on the web.
GIFs can support several different types of data, including animation, sound, and transparency. This makes it an ideal file format for logos and icons. This is due to the fact that it is possible to have a static image with transparency in the background, which allows the logo to look more professional than if it were just an ordinary static image.
The popularity of the GIF format is largely due to its flexibility. It is easy to embed GIFs into webpages and emails, and they also do not require additional compression or resizing. As a result, GIFs are widely used in marketing campaigns and ads as an easy way to share information.
Although GIFs are popular, there are other image formats which can be used for similar purposes. JPEG or Joint Photographic Experts Group is a much more popular standard, due to its higher-quality images and better compression. PNG, Portable Network Graphics, is another commonly used image format which supports transparency, animation, and high-quality images.
