How to Play GIFs on PC or Mac

This wikiHow teaches you how to open and play an animated GIF image on your computer using your web browser. You can play a GIF file you find and save in browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Firefox without having to install additional software.

Steps

  1. Image titled Play GIFs on PC or Mac Step 1
    1
    Navigate to the GIF on your computer. If you downloaded the GIF from the internet you'll typically find it in your Downloads folder.
  2. Image titled Play GIFs on PC or Mac Step 2
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    Right-click the GIF you want to view.[1] A context menu will expand.
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  3. Image titled Play GIFs on PC or Mac Step 3
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    Hover over Open with on the right-click menu.[2] This will open a list of recommended applications on a sub-menu.
  4. Image titled Play GIFs on PC or Mac Step 4
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    Click your web browser.[3] Some popular browsers are Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. This will play the GIF in your browser.
    • If you don't see your browser on the "Open with" menu, click Choose another app or Other at the bottom. This will open a list of all the apps on your computer.
    • Alternatively, you can select Windows Media Player to open and play a GIF on a Windows PC.
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Warnings

  • If you open a GIF file in Mac's stock image viewer Preview, you'll see a frame-by-frame breakdown of each animation frame. This will not play the GIF, but you can view individual frames from the animation.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.
  2. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.
  3. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 31 August 31 2021.

About This Article

Mitch Harris
Co-authored by:
Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
This article was co-authored by Mitch Harris. Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University. This article has been viewed 21,135 times.
5 votes - 40%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 21,135
Categories: GIF
Article SummaryX

1. Find and right-click the GIF file.
2. Hover over Open with.
3. Select your internet browser.
4. Watch the GIF animation in your browser.

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