14 Best GIF Makers [Desktop, Online & Mobile]

You might be wondering what programs to make GIFs are out there. Here we’ll take you through the world of GIF editing software and GIF programs for both Mac and PC as well as apps that make GIFs, highlighting the best GIF maker in each category.

There are plenty of GIF makers on the Internet. We’ve compared some of the best options and now are ready to present to you some of the variants worthy of attention, including free online options and desktop apps.

Operating systems: Windows and macOS

Best for: batch conversion & ability to convert files to 180+ formats

The latest edition of Movavi Video Converter is much more than just a powerful piece of GIF-making software. As the name suggests, it’s a dynamic tool for video conversion that allows you to convert video and media files at warp speed and transfer that video to any platform or device. You can also extract audio and images from videos with a click. Once you have what you need, you can rotate, crop, and merge video as needed all in the same place, which makes it a stellar GIF-making program as well.

How to make a GIF with Movavi Video Converter

1. First, download, install, and launch the software.
2. Drag and drop the source video into the program.
3. Click Edit and use the tools on the Trim tab to delete all the unnecessary fragments.
4. Then hit Save and Close.
5. From the Images tab, select GIF as the target format and choose an appropriate preset.
6. To create a GIF, click Convert.

For more details, read the article linked below:

How to convert video to GIF with Movavi Video Converter

Operating systems: Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux

Best for: comprehensive image editing

GIMP has been around for well over 2 decades making it an old standby as far as software goes. For those wondering, GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, and as such, it’s first and foremost an image editor. As far as comparisons go, think of it as being similar to Photoshop from Adobe. Because GIFs are essentially just animated images, GIMP is a stellar piece of freeware for that and more and one of the better free GIF editors out there.

Operating system: Windows

Best for: simple interface

SSuite Gif Animator is straightforward, no-frills, free GIF editor software. With very little learning curve, you can be up and running creating GIFs, slide shows, and even basic videos with a few clicks. For those looking for simplicity, it doesn’t get simpler than this GIF maker software which is free to download for PC and takes almost no space on your computer. As green software, it’s designed to use the least resources on your system.

Operating systems: Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux

Best for: users who want to save hard drive space – the app comes as a JAR file so no installation necessary

With GIF right in the name, GiftedMotion exists for one reason; to help you make GIFs with ease. Developed by Onyxbits and also small in size, this too is a piece of free GIF-making software. As they mention on their site, in creating GiftedMotion they take the KISS approach (“keep it simple stupid”) and offer up a painless GIF creating experience.

Operating system: Windows

Best for: creating GIFs by recording what’s on your screen

ScreenToGif is a pretty nifty and clever program to make GIFs that allows you to create GIFs by recording your screen, webcam, or sketchboard. Put differently, you can turn what you’re looking at on-screen into a GIF in minutes. With basic editing controls built-in you can add the cuts you need and manipulate frames as necessary and, if need be, add an existing video or image into a project you’re working on. It’s another GIF maker that’s free to download.

There you have it, some of the best GIF maker software out there, whether it’s a GIF maker for Windows, Mac, or Linux, there are options to cover all bases.

And as you can see, GIF editor software runs the gamut of both complexity and functionality. When considering GIF-making software that makes sense for you, think about what you really need and your level of skill because some will require more time to learn than others. Whether it’s animation GIF freeware or something more premium, there’s surely one that fits your requirements.

Best for: creating pixel art

OS: web version; Windows, macOS, Linux

Likely the most unique GIF maker on this list, Piskel is focused on pixel art, which the name hints at. Think along the lines of old-school Mega Man graphics. You can create “sprites” as they call them in their free online editor. They also offer a downloadable, offline version which is particularly convenient.

Best for: creating GIFs with clips from social media platforms

OS: any, web-based

Among the best-known places on the web to get and create GIFs, GIPHY says they serve 10+ billion pieces of their content – GIFs, stickers, arcade, video, and more – to the north of 700 million around the world. Even with seemingly endless GIFs, you can’t always find what you’re looking for, to that end, GIPHY is also among the top free GIF animators online.

Best for: creating GIFs up to 60 seconds long

OS: any, web-based

Launched in 2009, Imgur is another well-known online GIF maker. With a reach of over 250 million people per month and billions of views, you’ve likely crossed paths with content that was generated here. In fact, Imgur is a top 15 ranked site by Alexa.

Best for: loading up to 2,000 images

OS: any, web-based

Ezgif is much more like the free GIF maker software we reviewed above in that it's purpose-built for that, whereas GIPHY and Imgur have a community aspect. With Ezgif, you simply upload your files and make a GIF, it very much lives up to its name in that sense.

Best for: easily creating GIFs online

OS: any, web-based

Picasion follows in the style of Ezgif; an online tool for producing GIFs on the fly. Without any bells and whistles, Picasion is about as to the point as it gets. You can upload images from your computer, a URL, or a webcam and get going.

Best for: controlling speed down to the millisecond

OS: any, web-based

Like Imgur and GIPHY, Make a GIF both hosts quite a lot of community-made GIFs and is also a place you can come to in order to make your own. You’ll find GIFs for inspiration and easy-to-follow instructions to turn your pictures and videos into GIFs.

For a one-off GIF now and then, an online solution will no doubt suit you well but what about for those on the move that still want the ability to make or find a GIF?

Operating systems: Android and iOS

Best for: creating GIFs with AR features

You already learned about GIPHY’s online tool above but did you know they have a GIF creator app too? Yes indeed, in addition to having access to their massive library, with this GIF animation app you can create GIFs in real-time. Plus, a whole host of other options, including some AR features. As a GIF maker app, GIPHY is a solid choice.

Operating systems: Android and iOS

Best for: lots of filters and text animations

ImgPlay is another one of the apps to make a GIF that’s worth a look. With a sleek design and an intuitive layout, this animated GIF app shines with various filters, stickers, and editing capabilities as well that make it a strong choice.

Operating systems: Android, iOS, and Windows

Best for: creating GIFs from imported photos and videos from your camera roll

GifMe! is a nice no-frills GIF animation app that lets you turn a video you shot on your phone into a GIF in no time. You can also create GIFs from imported photos and videos from your camera roll and apply filters, stickers, text, and borders.