Convert JPEG to GIF on Mac
Select the JPEG files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose GIF and press Return. FileFlip saves each GIF next to its original and works without an internet connection.
How to convert JPEG to GIF with FileFlip
Select the JPEG files
In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.
Press ⌥ F
FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from JPEG. Type “GIF” to jump to it.
Choose GIF and press Return
The GIF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The JPEG files stay as they are.
JPEG and GIF
JPEG is lossy and has no transparency, so it’s a poor fit for graphics, screenshots or files you’ll keep editing. GIF animations play everywhere, from chat apps to old email clients.
What changes when you convert
- GIF is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
- GIF is limited to 256 colors, so photos can look grainy or banded.
| Property | JPEG | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Made by | Joint Photographic Experts Group | CompuServe |
| Introduced | 1992 | 1987 |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless, up to 256 colors |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| Animation | No | Yes |
| Best for | Photos you want to send, upload or print anywhere | Short animations and simple graphics |
| Opens in | Every computer, phone, browser and photo app | Everywhere, including browsers and chat apps |
| File extension | .jpg, .jpeg | .gif |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.
Preview
Open the JPEG in Preview, choose File → Export, pick GIF from the Format menu and click Save. If GIF isn’t listed, hold Option while you click the Format menu. For several files, open them together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar and choose File → Export Selected Images.
Good for a few files now and then.
Terminal
The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.
sips -s format gif photo.jpg \
--out photo.gifBuilt into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.
Questions about JPEG and GIF
Does converting JPEG to GIF lose quality?
GIF is lossless, so nothing more is lost, but it can’t bring back detail that JPEG compression already removed. Expect a bigger file.
Can I convert many JPEG files at once?
Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose GIF. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.
Where is the GIF file saved?
Next to the original, with the same name and the .gif extension. The JPEG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert GIF back to JPEG?
Yes, FileFlip converts GIF to JPEG as well.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert a whole folder of images at once
FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac