The file extension .gif stands for the Graphic Interchange Format developed originally by CompuServe as a bitmap (one bit per pixel) "raster graphics" (rectangular pixel holds color) image format. CompuServe also developed a black-and-white file extension .xpm at the same time. Unisys has since purchased the patents, trademarks and rights to the .gif file extension.
The file extension .gif is a popular Internet graphics format with many advantages. It is especially good for reducing file sizes without compromising quality - the Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) "lossless" data compression maintains image clarity. These image files can then be transmitted more rapidly on the World Wide Web.
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Simplistic straight-line, sharp-lined, black-and-white images are rendered well using the .gif file extension. But it is limited with respect to photography, due to its limited color selections supported. Images with small text and a low pixel height are also well-suited to this format.
The file extension .gif is good for drawing pictures without color blending. Flat areas are easier to replicate for the .gif file extension pixel boxes. The .gif format supports a maximum of 8 bits per pixel; it is not good for pictures with continuous color.
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More Info Regarding File Extension Gif
The file extension .gif format is good for transmission and storage. Its bitmaps are easy-to-use; each box holds a different color. It may contain a maximum of 256 colors (limited by palette boundaries) based on the RGB color system. Many colors are preset, new tints and shades can be created via the color palette.
The limited color selection is fine for animation and cartoons, yet is not good for realistic photographs. Animated .gifs are created by displaying a number of different frames sequentially. It has an added "transparency" feature which allows for creative mixing with background colors, creating multiple layers and the illusion of "depth". Pixel colors can be transparent or opaque.
The animated .gif file extension is a popular format with a variety of uses. An animation editor can create these animated .gifs. This .gif file extension can also be used for low resolution films.
Most popular graphics software programs read these .gif file extensions.
Apple Macintosh OS graphics software that can view, edit and run the file extension .gif include the following: Adobe Photoshop, Nuance OmniPage Pro X and Roxio Toast.
Microsoft Windows graphics software that can view, edit and run the file extension .gif include the following: Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Paint, Nuance OmniPage Professional and Roxio Easy Media Creator.
Linux graphics software that can view, edit and run the file extension .gif include the following: GIMP.
GIMP stands for the GNU Image Manipulation Program, which is a free, open source raster graphics software program used for images, graphics and logos. It supports color gradients, using the basic RGB color system. It includes numerous features and functions for selecting, masking and filtering images.
A single .gif file might hold several images. The .gif file extension has been improved with features like an interlaced mode, which allows for refining images as they are loaded. This increases graphics modification efficiency. The .gif file extension is also used for storing low-color sprite game data.
The .gif file extension is not used for digital photography, because is does not display photorealistic images.
The MIME types are "image/gif", "image/x-xbitmap" and "image/gi_".
The .gif can be easily converted to other file extensions by simply saving them in different formats. Associated graphics file extensions include the following: .bmp, .cdr, .eps, .jpg, .pdf, .png and .psd.
Problems with the file extension .gif include the inability to read it with some limited third-party graphics viewers. The "boxy" pixels have difficulty properly rendering curves. The limited number of colors supported reduces its usefulness for real life photography. Special photography techniques like dithering and diffusing are difficult to accomplish.
