How to Resize Animated GIFs With Online and Desktop Tools

Using GIFs on social media is a fun way to interact with other users, whether you share one in a comment section or as a reply in a messaging app. Unfortunately, social media apps limit the use of GIFs due to various restrictions, including file size and compatibility issues; these limitations, although necessary, can be frustrating. In this article, we will provide a solution to bypass GIF sharing limitations online by offering our readers a detailed guide on how to resize GIFs. We will explore two solutions for this problem, utilizing both an online tool and a desktop-based option. To learn more about these GIF editing software, please continue reading our guide below.

Part 1. Why Resize a GIF (Common Use Cases)

Social Media Limits

Since the most common use of GIFs today is through social media communication, resizing GIFs is an ideal solution to make sure that your file meets social media limits. Some of these limits include file size, resolution, and duration, among others. Fortunately, learning how to resize a GIF will solve this problem.

Website Performance & SEO

Aside from social media communication, using GIFs effectively can also enhance website performance and search engine results, as moving graphics are visually more appealing than static images. By using GIFs on web pages, user engagement on the site will be enhanced, as visitors are more likely to stay longer due to the appeal of moving visuals. However, ensure that you only change GIF dimensions without losing quality if you plan to use them for website design.

Email & Messaging Constraints

Similar to social media use, GIFs can also be sent via communication and messaging apps, including emails. Unfortunately, sending files via email is also restricted by file size limits, duration, and other similar factors. Editing GIFs and using GIF resizers addresses this issue.

Part 2. The Easiest Way to Resize GIFs Using a Free Online Resizer

The easiest way to resize animated GIFs online, in terms of both practicality and setup, is via Ezgif. This online tool is a suitable option if you are primarily concerned with reducing the file size or adjusting the dimensions of your GIF. These factors should be considered, as online file resizing often results in a drastic quality reduction.

Despite that, using online tools is still practical enough to justify this downside. Quick GIF resizing, being free to use, and the lack of installation requirements are huge benefits of using online tools.

However, keep in mind that the practicality and accessibility of Ezgif come at the cost of significant quality loss, reliance on connection quality, and its being unavailable offline.

If these restrictions are not a deal-breaker for you, we can still recommend the tool, as using it is as simple as following our three-step tutorial below.

1. Go to Ezgif’s website by searching for it online. In the main web page, select the Resizer option.

2. Next, select the Browse button to open your File Manager and upload the GIF you want to resize. You may also paste the link of an online GIF you want to resize. Click Upload to import your file.

3. In the GIF resizer menu, use the Width, Height, and Percentage options to resize your GIF. You can also select the Resize Method or change the aspect ratio fixer if the resizing result is subpar. Unfortunately, a preview display is not available. Click on Resize Image to apply your settings.

After confirming Resize Image, the resized GIF will now be displayed under the Resized Image bar. You can now copy or save the resized GIF back to your computer or share it online.

Unfortunately, the lack of a preview window on Ezgif removes your option to check if the resized image is still of good quality. This is a concerning factor since you will only see the result once your adjustments are applied. It significantly impacts the overall practicality of resizing GIFs online.

Part 3. For More Control: Using Desktop Software

Aside from online GIF editors, there are also desktop-based software that can handle GIF editing or even convert video clips to GIFs. One example is AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate, a multimedia tool originally designed to convert videos, which is also equipped with a practical GIF Maker tool for creating and editing GIFs.

Using the GIF Maker feature of the software, users can enjoy an all-in-one solution for creating GIFs. This was made possible by the editing options in the mentioned feature, including a frame rate editor, a trimmer tool for duration control, and editing tools for the source file itself. These features alone make the program a superior choice compared to basic GIF croppers.

In addition to the core editing features, batch resizing and precise control over video resolution are also available. These additional features will enable simultaneous editing of multiple GIFs and allow cropping of videos for GIF creation, so you can highlight the subject you want to capture.

For increased performance, GPU acceleration is available in the software to ensure that your GIF production is done quickly. Furthermore, the program supports multiple formats, including over 500 input formats supported by AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate, such as GIF, MP4, WebP, MKV, and others.

If you are concerned about video quality reduction, fear not, as AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate can preserve the output quality of files processed through it, ensuring that edited GIFs will retain their high quality. Alternatively, users with short videos can utilize the program's file converter feature to directly convert their videos into GIFs, eliminating the need to rely on the GIF maker option.

With the features of AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate for creating GIFs now discussed, let's proceed to the tutorial on how to use the exclusive GIF Maker tool.

Before proceeding, ensure that you have downloaded the software using the provided link for a smoother experience following our three-step guide.

1. Open AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate and then select the Toolbox tab. Then, choose the GIF Maker tool.

2. After selecting the GIF Maker tool, select either Video to GIF or Photo to GIF based on the file that you want to make into a GIF.

3. Inside the GIF Maker menu, you can now access the editing tools for the source file by clicking either the Edit or Cut option. To adjust the framerate of the GIF, simply edit the value in the Frame Rate option. Once you are satisfied with your adjustments, select Generate GIF to start producing your video as a high-quality GIF.

Among the available GIF creation tools for desktops and browsers, the GIF Maker option offers the best balance between ease of use and high-quality GIF creation. This makes AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate a solid solution for users who want to learn how to resize a GIF.

Part 4. Tips to Keep GIFs Sharp After Resizing

Maintain Aspect Ratio

To prevent quality reduction and maintain the sharp texture of your GIFs, ensure that you retain the original media's aspect ratio. Even if you change the resolution of the GIF, ensure that its final result still adheres to the set aspect ratio of the original file.

Use Lossless Compression

When choosing a GIF resizing tool, ensure that it uses a lossless compression system. This will allow you to apply media editing without affecting the original quality of the GIF you adjust. Among the tools present in this article, AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is the one equipped with this system.

Preview Before Export

Once you have applied your editing adjustments to the GIF, ensure that the GIF cropper software you are using offers a preview feature. This will provide you with a practical checker for the GIF you are resizing, ensuring it retains good quality. Unfortunately, this is not present in the Ezgif online tool.