GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), pronounced like "gift" without the "t," is a bitmap image format, introduced by CompuServe in 1987, widely used on the Internet due to its small file size. Supporting up to 8 bits per pixel, it allows a single image to reference a palette of up to 256 specific colors chosen from the 24-bit RGB color space. However, the inherently small GIF file size is most advantageous with color palettes reduced to less than 64 colors. GIF files can be animated, using identical or varied color palettes within each frame.
Color limitations make the GIF format unsuitable for reproducing color photographs and other images with continuous color. Attempts to do so result in either dithered or sharp-contrast posterized effects. GIF is well-suited for simpler images such as graphics or logos with solid areas of color displayed on the Internet. Do not use GIF files when preparing posters or brochures for print.