What Is A GIF Image?

GIF image is a popular type of image used on both Internet and offline setting. This is available in two formats – static as well as animated. GIF images support 256 colours at its maximum. So they are basically not suitable for photographic images. The essential feature of GIF image is the ability to compress colours and pixel areas of a given image in accordance with the large pixel area of that particular image. The most prevalent method of performing the reduction encompasses the method of reducing the number of colours available in a palette. By default, the GIF image uses LZW compression scheme to make the image as small as possible without loosing any quality of the image. One of most important characteristics of GIF image is its ability to become transparent, that is, it synchronize smoothly and perfectly with the background colour irrespective of its fore-colour. Second important characteristic is its ability to interlace which enable the image to load faster.