# How do I open a GIF file?

GIF files can be opened in web browsers, image viewers, and most messaging/social apps.

Canonical URL: https://www.subclip.app/faq/how-to-open-a-gif-file

Last modified: 2026-04-17T00:00:00+00:00

1. **Open in Subclip first**
Import GIF in [Subclip Home Player](https://subclip.app/home) to preview and convert.

2. **Desktop players by OS**
- **Windows:** browsers, Photos app, VLC (as media)
- **macOS:** Safari/Chrome, Preview (static frame handling), VLC
- **Linux:** browsers, image viewers, VLC/mpv
- **Chromebook:** Chrome browser and Android media/image apps
- **Other OS:** browser-based viewers and messaging apps

3. **Mobile devices**
- **iOS:** Photos, Safari, messaging apps, GIF keyboards
- **Android:** Google Photos, Chrome, messaging apps
- **Windows phones (legacy):** browser and messaging apps where supported

4. **Convert to video for editing/publishing**
[GIF to MP4](/tools/convert-video-format/gif-to-mp4), [MP4 to WebM](/tools/convert-video-format/mp4-to-webm), [MP4 to MOV](/tools/convert-video-format/mp4-to-mov).

## Back to FAQ

- [Back to FAQ](https://www.subclip.app/faq)