RaahUPSC · Video Tools
AVI to GIF
Make a fun looping GIF from an old AVI, perhaps a birthday clip from a 2000s digital camera or a snippet of a school event, without converting it to another video format first.
✓ No upload · ✓ No sign-up · ✓ No watermark
How to use AVI to GIF
- Choose an .avi file; it previews if your browser can play it, but conversion works either way.
- Enter the Start second and the Duration you want (5 seconds by default).
- Choose FPS (12) and Width (480 px).
- Press Make GIF and save the animation.
Why old AVIs make good GIFs
Clips from early digital cameras are typically 320×240 or 640×480 Motion JPEG at 15–30 fps, a size that suits a GIF well. FFmpeg decodes the AVI section you choose, drops frames to the target rate, scales it with the Lanczos filter, builds a 128-colour palette and applies Bayer dithering before writing a GIF that loops indefinitely.
If the source is only 320 px wide, set Width to 320 rather than 480, since enlarging a low-resolution clip adds bytes without adding detail. Interlaced camcorder footage may show fine horizontal lines in moving areas.
Limitations
- Browsers cannot play most AVIs, so the preview may stay blank; work out the start time in another player if needed.
- Interlaced or very noisy footage looks rougher after palette reduction.
- Sound is not included, as GIF has no audio.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my AVI play in the preview?
Browsers have no built-in AVI support. The FFmpeg engine can still decode it to make the GIF.
What width should I use for an old camera clip?
Match the source width, often 320 or 640 px. Going wider only makes the file heavier.
Can I make the GIF play only once?
Not here. The GIF is written with an infinite loop, which is what most chat apps and slides expect.
Are my clips uploaded?
No. The GIF is made in your browser and the AVI stays on your computer.