Convert PNG to GIF online

To convert PNG to GIF, upload the PNG file, start the conversion and download the result: Converter.now writes a GIF with a 256-colour palette. Transparency is kept.

◈ Encrypted transfer◷ Short retention⊘ No watermark◎ Works on every device

PNG to GIF at a glance

Converts: Portable Network Graphics → Graphics Interchange Format
Output: A GIF with a 256-colour palette
Compression: PNG: lossless → GIF: lossless
Engine: Pillow (with ImageMagick fallback)
Privacy: Private download link; files are deleted after 6 hours. No account needed.

Pixel decoding and image re-encoding: How PNG becomes GIF

Losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency is decoded into a working pixel canvas first, then written back out under GIF's own color and compression model. Dimensions can stay exactly the same even as encoding, metadata, and fine detail change underneath. PNG decoding combines filtered scanlines with declared color type, bit depth, palette or full alpha, color-profile chunks, and optional ancillary metadata. GIF output reduces frames to indexed palettes and binary transparency, so color selection, dithering, disposal, timing, loop seam, and absent audio define quality.

Canvas decoded from losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency. Image written as a frame animation or indexed-color image limited to a 256-color palette.

Not quite the pair you need? Browse more ways to convert PNG files or the GIF converter hub for every route into and out of GIF.

If you want the reasoning behind this PNG to GIF route, how much each image should weigh explains how to size assets for fast pages.

PNG

Portable Network Graphics

Used for lossless images and transparency.

Family: Images
MIME: image/png

→

GIF

Graphics Interchange Format

Designed for short animations and simple graphics.

Family: Images
MIME: image/gif

Deciding when PNG to GIF is the right conversion

GIF wins this route whenever its specific mix of compatibility, alpha, animation, and file size fits the destination better than PNG does.

What changes between the PNG model and the GIF deliverable

Transparency is kept.
PNG and GIF use different metadata conventions, so application-specific fields should be treated as optional until verified.

PNG source facts versus GIF output requirements

What can fail when Portable Network Graphics is interpreted

PNG is inefficient for many photographs, and indexed optimization can reduce a smooth palette even without JPEG-style loss.

What Graphics Interchange Format cannot safely promise

Photographs and gradients can band, semi-transparent edges are reduced, and timing may be quantized.

How the GIF writer handles this route

The video-to-GIF path samples frames at 12 per second, caps width at 960 pixels, and drops audio entirely — GIF has no sound channel to carry it.

Checking the GIF result before you trust it

Record the PNG evidence before conversion

Inspect transparent edges, gradients, exact dimensions, color, and small text at 100%.

Test the GIF file in its receiving workflow

Play the full loop and inspect color banding, disposal between frames, transparency, and the loop seam.