Convert MP4 to GIF on Mac
Select the MP4 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 MP4 to GIF with FileFlip
Select the MP4 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 MP4. Type “GIF” to jump to it.
Choose GIF and press Return
The GIF files appear next to the originals with the same names. The MP4 files stay as they are.
MP4 and GIF
The most widely supported video file format. Phones, browsers, TVs and social networks all play MP4. GIF animations play everywhere, from chat apps to old email clients.
What changes when you convert
- GIF has no sound and at most 256 colors per frame, and files grow quickly with length, so it suits short clips.
| Property | MP4 | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Part 14 | Graphics Interchange Format |
| Made by | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) | CompuServe |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1987 |
| Compression | Container; usually H.264, HEVC or AV1 video | Lossless, up to 256 colors |
| Best for | Sharing and uploading video | Short animations and simple graphics |
| Opens in | Practically everywhere: phones, browsers, TVs, Windows and video sites | Everywhere, including browsers and chat apps |
| File extension | .mp4 | .gif |
| In FileFlip | Opens and saves | Opens and saves |
Other ways on a Mac
Here’s what you can do with what’s already on your Mac.
No built-in export
QuickTime Player, Photos and the command-line tools that come with macOS don’t export GIF, so you need an app for this one.
Questions about MP4 and GIF
Does the GIF have sound?
No. GIF can’t store audio, and it’s limited to 256 colors per frame, so it’s best for short clips.
Can I convert many MP4 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 MP4 file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.
Can I convert GIF back to MP4?
No, FileFlip doesn’t convert GIF to MP4.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.
Convert all your videos at once
FileFlip also handles images, camera raw files, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Coming soon for Mac