Convert GIF to PNG Online
What changes when you convert GIF to PNG
A single frame is captured
GIF can be animated; PNG is a still image, so the first frame is saved as a static picture.
It gains full colour
GIF is limited to 256 colours; PNG supports millions, so gradients and photos look smoother.
Transparency is preserved
Both support transparency, so a transparent GIF stays transparent as a PNG.
GIF vs PNG at a glance
| GIF | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless, 256-colour palette | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Colours | 256 | 16.7 million + alpha |
| Typical file size | Large for what it shows | Large for photos, small for graphics |
| Best for | Short looping animations | Logos, screenshots and graphics with sharp edges |
| Opens in | Universal | Universal |
About the two formats
GIF
GIF dates back to 1987 and survives for one reason: simple looping animations that play everywhere. Its 256-colour palette makes it a poor choice for photographs.
PNG
PNG was designed as a lossless web format: it stores every pixel exactly and supports full transparency. That makes it the default choice for logos, icons, screenshots and any graphic with sharp edges or text.
When to convert GIF to PNG
- You want a still image from a GIF
- You need more than 256 colours for a graphic
- A tool needs a PNG rather than a GIF
How to convert GIF to PNG
- Upload your imageDrop or choose the GIF file you want to convert - up to 16 MB.
- Pick PNGThe target format is already set to PNG; just confirm.
- Convert and copy the linkYour PNG image is hosted instantly with a direct link and a download button.
Need more control over quality or other formats? Use the full image converter, read JPG vs PNG vs WebP vs GIF to pick the right format, or the complete WebP guide for the web.