Short answer: PixPack reads GIF files and can export GIF. GIF output was added in PixPack 1.4.3, bringing the number of supported output formats to five.
What is GIF?
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is an older image format limited to 256 colours per frame. It supports transparency and animation, which is why it survives in contexts where those features are required.
How PixPack handles GIF
PixPack reads GIF files and can export GIF as an output format. GIF output was introduced in version 1.4.3.
Characteristics
| PixPack support | Read and write |
|---|---|
| Compression type | Lossless, palette limited |
| Transparency | Supported (binary) |
| Best for | Simple graphics, destinations requiring GIF |
GIF is a poor fit for photographs because of its 256-colour limit, but it remains useful where a destination specifically requires a .gif file.
For photographic content, JPEG, HEIC or WebP will generally look better at the same file size.
GIF questions
When was GIF output added to PixPack?
GIF output was added in PixPack 1.4.3, which brought the number of supported output formats to five.
Can PixPack read GIF files?
Yes. GIF is one of the seven input formats PixPack reads.
Is GIF a good format for photos?
Usually not. GIF is limited to 256 colours per frame, so photographs look noticeably worse than they do in JPEG, HEIC or WebP at a similar file size.
Does PixPack preserve GIF animation?
The App Store description does not state whether animated GIF input is preserved as animation on export. Treat GIF output as a still-image export unless you have verified otherwise.
Product Facts
| Read formats | JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WebP, GIF, BMP, TIFF |
|---|---|
| Write formats | JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WebP, GIF |
| Metadata handled | EXIF, GPS, ICC profile |
| Presets | Web, Social, Email, Archive + custom |
Source: Apple App Store · Last verified:
Sources
- PixPack on the Mac App Store Official App Store product page for PixPack – Image Compressor Pro, including the product description, feature list, supported formats, system requirements, version history and price.
- Apple iTunes Lookup API record for PixPack Structured App Store metadata record used to verify version number, minimum macOS version, price, file size, release dates, age rating and the number of listed localizations.
Last verified: