What file extension do GIF images use?

GIF images use the file extension “.gif.” The extension comes from the format’s name, Graphics Interchange Format, and identifies files that follow the GIF specification. It is normally written in lowercase, although many operating systems also recognize the uppercase form “.GIF.”

A GIF file begins with a signature identifying one of the major format versions, such as GIF87a or GIF89a. The later GIF89a revision added features including animation and transparency, helping the format become a familiar part of the early web. Despite the extension, a GIF is a bitmap image format rather than a video file.

The “.gif” extension is often confused with “.jpg” and “.png,” but those are separate image formats with different strengths. JPEG is commonly used for photographs, while PNG supports richer color and transparency options. GIF remains useful for simple graphics and short looping animations because it is broadly supported and can store multiple frames.