Best Programs to Convert PNG to GIF

Input file format
PNG
Output file format
GIF

This page lists 20 programs you can use to convert a PNG file to GIF. The best options for converting PNG files with top quality are Adobe Photoshop, Picture Resize Genius and XnConvert. Once the file is converted to GIF format, you can open and edit it with compatible software.

What is file format conversion?

File format conversion is the process of changing a file from one format to another to ensure compatibility with software, systems, or devices, while keeping the structural content of the file intact.

File format conversion becomes necessary when the desired software or device cannot work with the original PNG file format. This allows users to use PNG files in various formats, ensuring compatibility and the ability to share information across different platforms.

Specially developed programs and online tools are created to handle file format conversion effectively. These tools usually provide a user-friendly interface where users can select the input PNG file, choose the output GIF format, and start the conversion.

How to convert the PNG file to GIF?

After installing the converter on your computer, you can now start the process of converting the PNG file to the GIF format. The conversion process is usually straightforward and follows a similar pattern. Here are some steps to follow when changing the PNG file format:

  1. Find the original PNG file on your computer that you want to convert;
  2. Launch Adobe Photoshop or any other converter app on your device;
  3. Transfer the PNG file to the converter for conversion;
  4. Choose GIF as the output format of choice for the conversion;
  5. Set the save location on your drive for the converted GIF file;
  6. Go ahead with the conversion confirmation and wait patiently for the process to finish.

After the conversion is complete, you can find the resulting GIF file in the location you specified in step 5.

About the formats

ExtensionPNG
File TypePortable Network Graphic
CategoryRaster Image Files and Web Files
Developed by-
FormatBinary
MIME typesimage/png
HEX code89 50 4E 47 0D 0A 1A 0A 00 00 00 0D 49 48 44 52
ASCII codePNG IHDR
ExtensionGIF
File TypeGraphical Interchange Format
CategoryRaster Image Files and Web Files
Developed by-
FormatBinary
MIME typesimage/gif, image/gi_, image/x-xbitmap
HEX code47 49 46 38
ASCII codeGIF8

Solve problems with PNG files

If you’re having trouble opening PNG files, we can suggest several widely accepted remedies:

  • First, request that the original PNG file be resent to you, as it may have been damaged during the transfer;
  • Try downloading a more compatible version of the file for your platform from the Internet;
  • It is often the case that the file you require has been converted to a GIF and made available online for you to find.