To make a GIF on Windows, open the MobileStudio Video to GIF tool in Edge or Chrome, drop in a video, choose up to 10 seconds and a size limit, and download the GIF. For new screen recordings, Windows 11's Snipping Tool can also export a GIF directly. ScreenToGif and FFmpeg are free alternatives on Windows 10 and 11.
The short answer
| Method | Best for | Size control |
|---|---|---|
| Video to GIF | Any video file | Yes: 1, 5, or 10 MB |
| Snipping Tool (Windows 11) | New screen recordings, up to 30 s | Low or high quality |
| ScreenToGif | Recording the screen straight to GIF | Manual |
| FFmpeg | Scripts and batches | Manual |
How do I convert a video to a GIF on Windows?
- Open Video to GIF in Edge or Chrome.
- Drop in the video.
- Set the Start and Length (up to 10 seconds).
- Choose a Size target: 1 MB, 5 MB, or 10 MB.
- Click Create GIF and save it.
The tool checks the finished GIF and rebuilds it smaller if it's over your limit. The video stays on your PC.
How do I record my screen as a GIF on Windows?
On Windows 11, the Snipping Tool can save a screen recording as a GIF: press Windows + Shift + R, record, then choose Export GIF in the preview and pick low or high quality. Microsoft announced the feature in its Windows Insider blog; GIFs are limited to 30 seconds, and if your Snipping Tool doesn't show the button yet, update it from the Microsoft Store. Other options:
- Record, then convert: press Windows + Alt + R to record with the Game Bar, or use the Snipping Tool's video mode on Windows 11. Trim the clip in Clipchamp, as Microsoft's Clipchamp guide shows, then convert it in the tool.
- Record straight to GIF: ScreenToGif is a free, open-source app that records an area of the screen and saves a GIF, with a frame editor to delete or tweak frames.
How do I make a GIF with FFmpeg on Windows?
In PowerShell or Command Prompt:
ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -vf "fps=12,scale=640:-1:flags=lanczos,split[a][b];[a]palettegen[p];[b][p]paletteuse" out.gif
The palette filters pick the best 256 colors for the clip, so the GIF looks much cleaner than a default conversion. The FFmpeg documentation lists every option.
How do I make a GIF of part of my screen?
ScreenToGif lets you drag a recording frame over just the window or area you want. With the Game Bar, record the app window, then crop it in Clipchamp before converting. Smaller capture areas make smaller, sharper GIFs, because the colors and pixels have less to cover.
Can Photos or Clipchamp save a GIF?
Not as a true animated GIF from an existing video, and the Snipping Tool's GIF export only covers its own recordings. Clipchamp exports video files. That's often better anyway, since MP4 is far smaller; see GIF vs MP4.
What GIF settings should I use on Windows?
| Use | Width | Frame rate | Size limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| GitHub README | 640 px | 10 to 12 fps | 5 MB |
| Teams or Slack | 480 px | 10 fps | 1 to 5 MB |
| 320 to 480 px | 8 to 10 fps | 1 MB |
More in best GIF size and frame rate and how to make a GIF smaller. GIFs for READMEs also need to stay under GitHub's file size warnings, which GitHub explains in About large files on GitHub.
Why does my GIF have strange colors?
GIF supports at most 256 colors per frame, as the Library of Congress notes in its GIF overview. Gradients and video footage get banding. Screen recordings with flat colors look best. Shorter, smaller clips help too.
Where MobileStudio fits
Video to GIF is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
Does Windows have a GIF maker?
Windows 11's Snipping Tool exports screen recordings as GIFs. For existing videos, use Video to GIF in your browser.
How do I convert an MP4 to GIF on Windows?
Drop the MP4 into the tool, pick the seconds, and click Create GIF.
What's the best free GIF maker for Windows?
The browser tool for videos and ScreenToGif for screen captures.
How do I make a GIF smaller on Windows?
Shorten it, reduce the width, and lower the frame rate.
Can I make a GIF on Windows 10?
Yes. All three methods work on Windows 10 and 11.
