How to make a GIF from a video
To make a GIF, trim the video to the moment you want, then convert it. In PlanetOS: drop the video on Trim… in the Tools ring, then drag the trimmed clip, tap Shift and drop it on Make a GIF.
How it works
- 1
Drag the video, tap Command (Mac) or Alt (Windows, Linux) and drop it on Trim…. Keep a few seconds.
- 2
Drag the trimmed clip and tap Shift.
- 3
Drop it on Make a GIF. The GIF appears next to the clip.
Keeping the GIF small
PlanetOS makes GIFs at 12 frames per second, up to 480 pixels wide, from the first 15 seconds of the clip. That's the sweet spot for chat apps. A 3–5 second clip usually lands at a few megabytes.
If a GIF is still too big, crop the video first with Crop… so there's less picture to store.
GIF or MP4?
Slack, Discord, iMessage and most websites play short MP4s on loop, and an MP4 is a fraction of the size with better colors. Send a GIF when you're not sure the other side plays video. Turning a GIF into a video is just as easy: GIF to MP4.
PlanetOS does all of this on your computer. Your files are never uploaded, and it works without an internet connection.
Questions
Can I make a GIF from a YouTube video?
For videos you have the right to use, copy the link and press the download shortcut to save it, then make the GIF from the file.
Does it work with MOV files from an iPhone?
Yes.