HEIC to GIF Converter
To convert HEIC to GIF, add the photos, choose GIF and press Convert. GIF is limited to 256 colors, so an iPhone photo will look grainy or banded compared with the original, and there is no quality slider. Choose it only when a platform needs GIF. Each photo is uploaded to our servers over a secure connection, converted there and deleted within 30 minutes at the latest.
- Free, no sign-up
- Uploaded securely, deleted within 30 minutes
- Up to 50 MB per file
The selected format has no quality setting.
Only the main picture is converted; extra data stored in the file, such as a Live Photo clip or depth map, is not carried over.
Your file is uploaded to our servers over a secure (HTTPS) connection, converted there and permanently deleted within 30 minutes at the latest. Files are converted one after another.
How to convert HEIC to GIF
Add your HEIC files
Drag the files onto the upload area or browse for them; you can add several files and they are converted one after another.
Keep GIF as the output
GIF is already selected. GIF has no quality setting.
Convert and download
Press “Convert”. Each file is uploaded to our servers, converted and deleted within 30 minutes at the latest; download the results one by one or as a ZIP.
What is preserved?
Kept
- The image resolution (pixel dimensions)
- The correct photo orientation (EXIF orientation is applied)
- Colors (adapted to sRGB)
Changed
- GIF is lossless, but the loss already introduced by HEIC compression does not come back; the file usually gets larger
- Semi-transparent areas become on/off transparency, so edges can look jagged
- Colors are reduced to at most 256
Not carried over
- EXIF, location and camera data: left out of the output for privacy
- Extras stored in the HEIC file, such as a Live Photo clip or a depth map: only the main picture is converted
When to use it
Use a photo in a GIF-only tool
Some meme makers, old messaging tools and animation editors only import GIF. Converting the HEIC lets you bring your photo into them.
A small retro-look image
The reduced palette gives a deliberate retro or pixel-art feel, which some people want for avatars or playful posts.
Limitations to know
- Up to 50 MB and about 100 megapixels per file.
- The file is uploaded to our servers and deleted within 30 minutes at the latest; several files are converted one after another.
About the formats
What is HEIC?
HEIC (also called HEIF) is the photo format that iPhones and many recent cameras use by default. It stores photos in about half the space of a JPG at similar quality and supports transparency and several images in one file. Web browsers and many programs cannot open it, which is why HEIC photos are usually converted to JPG, PNG or WebP before they are shared.
What is GIF?
GIF is an image format from 1987 limited to 256 colors per image. It supports simple on/off transparency and short animations, which is why it is still used for small graphics and looping clips. For photographs it is a poor choice, because the color limit causes visible banding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make an animated GIF from a Live Photo?
No. The conversion uses only the still picture of the HEIC; the Live Photo's moving part is not included, so the GIF is a single frame.
Why does my photo look worse as GIF?
An iPhone photo has millions of subtle colors and GIF can hold only 256. Skin tones and skies suffer most; HEIC to JPG keeps a photo looking natural.
Will the GIF be smaller than the HEIC?
Usually not. GIF compression is weak for photos, so the GIF is often larger than the HEIC, especially at full camera resolution. Resize the image afterwards if size matters.
Is converting HEIC to GIF free?
Yes, completely free. There is no account, subscription or watermark; just add your files and convert them.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
Yes. This conversion runs on our servers, so your file is uploaded over an encrypted (HTTPS) connection, converted there and permanently deleted within 30 minutes at the latest. It is stored under a random code instead of its name, and processing is fully automated. EXIF and location data are not added to the output.