Updated on 2023-03-01
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5min read
A GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) file can include both static and dynamic graphics. Furthermore, it is employed for soundless visuals that play continually and automatically. Even company owners are increasingly using GIFs to sell a product and provide clients with accurate visual information. Converting your films to GIFs might help to reduce file size. So, after converting them, you can send and share them more quickly and conveniently with your friends and family. Regardless of video file size, converting video clips to GIFs is simple. Users can easily cut a section of any MP4 video and utilize tools to transform it into a lovely GIF.
Creating a GIF from an MP4 video only takes some simple methods to consider, like using an online converter, free software, or a paid one. In this article, we'll explain eight possible and effective ways to convert any MP4 Video to GIF for both PC and online. So, let's dive in.
Part 1: Can I Convert MP4 to GIF?
MP4 (The acronym stands for MPEG-4) is the file extension commonly used to designate multimedia files, including movies and TV episodes. In other words, MP4 is a format for compressing video and audio files. It has become increasingly popular over the last decade as it allows for a high-quality video to be stored in small file size with less processing time. On the other hand, GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a type of image file format used on the Internet. GIFs are also often used to create animated images composed of several small pictures joined together in a single file.
It's possible to convert MP4 to GIF, but it takes a bit of work and more than one conversion process. It's not something you can just do in one step. The first step is to download an application that can convert files between different formats (in this case, MP4), then open the file using the converter software. You'll need to choose which format you want your GIF to be created from - MP4 or GIF. Then make sure your source file has been converted properly before saving it as a new file in .gif format. You can also use online converters, in that case, you don't have to download any additional applications. Just drag and drop or upload, then convert.
Part 2: How to Convert MP4 to GIF on PC? [Best 4 Ways]
The human instinct is to seek for easy and free methods to accomplish things, and converting an MP4 file to GIF is no exception. Therefore, below are four amazing methods that allow converting MP4 to GIF on your PC.
Way 1: Highly Effective Way to Convert MP4 to GIF in PC? [Recommended]
If you've ever wanted to create a GIF from an MP4 video, then you've come to the right place. Eassiy Video Converter Ultimate is the perfect solution for converting any MP4 video to GIF. Not only GIF, but with this software, you can convert videos of any format to any other format with ease.
The software supports over 1000+ video/audio formats including AVI(XVID), WMV(VP6), MPEG-2 PS2(DVD), etc. It also has a wide range of features that allow users to edit, compress video and make collages which means that it's perfect for professionals as well as amateurs who just want some fun on their workday.
It also has features like merging multiple videos or cropping video footage so that it fits better into the frame of your choice. You can even add effects like sepia tone or black and white filters onto your videos before conversion so that they look even more professional when they're ready for sharing online! So, in addition to MP4 to GIF conversion, if you utilize this handy application properly, you can have all of your converting, compressing, and editing solutions in one spot.
Features:
- This application can convert video files to MP4 in HD, 4K, or up to 8K quality.
- It covers over 1000 different video and audio formats.
- For optimal speed, multi-core CPU optimization is incorporated.
- It supports GPU acceleration as well as batch conversion.
- More than 20 multimedia tools are included in the software for various video editing tasks.
Step 1: First you need to visit Eassiy's official website and download the software on your computer. Then install the program and launch it by double-clicking on the icon from your desktop.
Step 2: Now, after you launch the program on your PC, select the “Toolbox” option where you’ll find multiple options. Just open the GIF Maker tool for this process.
Step 3: Choose Videos to GIF Option
After selecting the GIF maker option, there will be a box with 2 options, Videos to GIF and Photos to GIF. You need to select the “Video to GIF” option to proceed.
Step 4: Upload and Set Video Options
After clicking on the “Video to GIF” option, you can import the MP4 video to the program window. After importing the video, you’ll get to choose loop animation. If you select “Loop on”, then the video will continue playing until you stop it manually. And if you choose “Loop off”, then the video will stop playing automatically after once. If you want, you can edit the MP4 video before creating the GIF or adjust the output size, frame rate etc.
Step 5: Create GIF
Finally, after setting up everything, click on the “Export” button to convert MP4 video to GIF.
Way 2: Convert MP4 to GIF Using Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool for any type of editing work for your multimedia files. You can also use this software to convert MP4 to GIF within a few simple steps. In Photoshop, there are several ways to convert an MP4 to a GIF. Let's explain this one procedure that will make things easier for you.
Step 1: Download and install the proper version of Adobe Photoshop on your device. So, after installation, run the application on your PC.
Step 2: Next, click on the File menu, then Import, and finally, Video Frames to Layers. Then, choose your video file and press the Open button.
Step 3: Now, a dialogue box will open, along with a small preview with limited editing options. If you wish to convert the full video, leave the "From Beginning to End" radio choice selected. If you need to convert a potion, choose Selected Range Only and select the range using the provided options. Also, you need to check the "Make Frame Animation" option as well.
Step 4: Next, open the timeline and create some layers, go to the Window tab and select Timeline to open the Timeline Panel. Before pressing the play icon to preview your modifications, make sure the loop option is set to Forever.
Step 5: Save your GIF frames by navigating to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).
Step 6: A pop-up dialog box with a preview window for your GIF will appear. You can edit the GIF quality here to your liking. To begin, select the GIF from the Preset drop-down menu. You may also resize your picture using the Image Size and Loop Options drop-down menus.
Step 7: When you're finished, click the “Done” button and then hit the play icon to evaluate the changes. Then, tap the Save button to choose a GIF destination. That's all.
Way 3: How to Convert MP4 to Animated GIF on FFMPEG
FFmpeg is an open-source and free software project that includes a collection of libraries and tools for dealing with video, audio, and other types of multimedia files and streams. In other words, it is a command-line utility that allows us to convert between numerous audio and video formats. With a high-grade polyphase filter, it can also convert between arbitrary sample rates and resize video on the fly. It is frequently used for format conversion, basic editing (trimming and concatenation), video scaling, video post-production effects, and compliance with standards (SMPTE, ITU). By adding some fundamental command line codes, FFmpeg can generate high-quality Gifs from MP4 files. However, before utilizing this program, it's usually best to start with the most recent version.
Step 1: There are several methods for installing FFmpeg. Go to "https://ffmpeg.org/download.html" and download the latest version of FFmpeg for your machine, then insert the following code on to the command prompt of Windows, or the terminal tool on a Mac OS.
Note: If you are a Linux user, you can install the most recent stable version of FFmpeg on a Debian/Ubuntu computer via snap.
Step 2: After installation, check if the program is actually installed with this command.
Step 3: For every gif encoding, FFmpeg utilizes a generic 256-color palette by default. As a result, the outcome of the video conversion is unsatisfactory. However, we can use FFmpeg to construct a custom palette of 256 colors tailored to your MP4 video. Then, using the new palette and the original video file, we can make a higher-quality gif. To achieve this, follow the command below:
Step 4: After you've created a custom palette, you can finally use this command to generate your animated gif.
Way 4: How to Convert MP4 into GIF with NCH Prism
NCH's Prism is a dependable and comprehensive multi-format video converter that converts MP4 files to GIFs with ease. Within minutes, the program can convert or compress any video file. There are other features too. For example, Prism functions as a Direct DVD converter, Adds effects to your videos, supports high-res files, etc. This application is compatible with all popular formats. It also offers batch video conversion, which allows you to convert multiple videos to the format of your choice at the same time.
Step 1: First, download and install the application on your PC. After you have completed installing the application, follow the installation instructions and launch/open it on your computer.
Step 2: Now, to launch the file finder window, click the green Add File(s) button on the main toolbar. Find and select the MP4 files on your computer, then click Open to bring them into Prism for conversion to GIF. You may also convert MP4 files by dragging and dropping them into the software interface.
Step 3: Next, set the output destination for your output files. To display the drop-down menu, click on the Save to Folder or Output Folder drop-down arrow and choose a folder from the list. To launch the file finder window, click the Browse button to the right of the arrow and choose a folder on your system.
Step 4: To display the list of supported video file formats, click the drop-down arrow on the left-hand side of the software next to the words "Output Format." Simply choose the "GIF" option from this list to convert your MP4 to GIF.
Step 5: Finally, select the Convert button in the bottom right corner of the software or the main toolbar. It will initiate the conversion process. You can convert simply one file at a time or choose all of them for quick bulk GIF conversions.
Part 3: How to Convert MP4 to GIF Online Free? [Best 2 Ways]
Aside from offline approaches, there are additional ways to convert MP4 to GIFs in your browser without installing any software. All you have to do is locate an online video converter and complete the task there. Let's get started with those amazing web video converting tools (some of them are devoted to GIF creation) that are easy to follow and simple to work with.
Way 1: How to Convert MP4 to GIF Online with GIPHY
Giphy is an internet program that creates animated GIF pictures for social networking and messaging platforms that users may embed in posts and messages. It's a great place to find the coolest and most recent GIFs and animated stickers online. With this online program, you can quickly convert any MP4 video to GIFs. Giphy also allows you to create GIFs with captions, filters, stickers, and other effects.
Step 1: First, go to "https://giphy.com/create/gifmaker" and get signed into your GIPHY account.
Step 2: Next, choose an MP4 video to convert and drag it into the GIFMaker interface to get started. You can also copy and paste any video URL. After you upload, you can cut the footage into which you wish to produce a GIF. This option is useful if you want to GIF a specific section of the video.
Step 3: You can decorate your GIF if you choose to. For example, you can fill up the Caption area with your caption. You may then relocate your caption, change the wording, or delete it. Explore effects, stickers, and other fun GIF decorators by using the tabs adjacent to the caption editor! It's an optional step.
Step 4: To finish, click the Create GIF button. When it is completed, you will be redirected to the GIF page.
Way 2: How to Convert an MP4 to a GIF Using CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a free online file converter. It can convert over 200 different formats, including documents, photos, and videos, as well as ebooks, archives, and even CAD files. Furthermore, it includes tools for:
- File Optimization
- Website Capture
- File Combination
- Archive creation and extraction (Zip/Unzip folders)
Moreover, owing to its simple user interface, it is quite easy to use. It's a straightforward method for converting any MP4 file to GIF.
Step 1: First, Visit https://cloudconvert.com/ to access CloudConvert.
Step 2: Next, you could either click 'Select File' and submit your file for conversion, or you can use the “convert – to –” button. Alternatively, you can click on 'Tools' and pick the needed converter.
Step 3: Now, when you choose a converter, you must specify the formats to be converted, as seen below.
Step 4: Then you must choose your file. To do so, click the 'Select File' option. You may also configure the Options (they vary across the conversions). To convert several MP4 files, click the 'Add More Files' button.
Step 5: Once you've completed all of the parameters, click the 'Convert' button to begin the file conversion.
Part 4: FAQ to Convert MP4 to GIF
1. What file format does GIF use?
GIF is an abbreviation for Graphics Interchange Format. GIF is a raster file format created for simple graphics that are commonly seen on the internet. Each file can have up to 8 bits per pixel and 256 indexed colors. GIF files also allow you to mix pictures or frames to create simplistic animations.
2. Is GIF simply a video?
GIFs are picture sequences. However, they are of lesser quality. This makes it suitable for usage on the web but not as part of a video production pipeline. A GIF is considered an image. Therefore you may add it to a website, and it will be handled as such.
3. Is it possible to convert MP4 to GIF with sound?
You can't do it. GIF is a type of animated image format. It is not a video format and, by definition, cannot carry audio data. If you see some "GIF animation" with sound on the internet, it is actually a video format, such as WebM, MP4, MOV, and so on.
Conclusion
Using GIFs on social media and texting services has been a popular choice for quite some time now. Converting any MP4 video file is probably an easy way to create GIFs. In this blog article, we shared a few strategies and methods for converting MP4 files to cool GIFs for both online and offline platforms so you can easily share your creation on any platform. After reading this, you should be able to locate the correct software or online application that best suits your needs. However, for the best results, we highly recommend "Eassiy Video Converter Ultimate", which will provide all the essential features for making high-quality GIFs for sharing.