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To save an animated GIF, open its own page and look for a download or original-file link. Then open the saved file to check that it moves. GIFER offered a direct download in our sample check. GIPHY and Tenor help you find GIFs, while Wikimedia Commons lists the license for each file. Being free to download does not always mean free to reuse.
Where to find and download GIFs
| Website | What it helps with | What to check when saving |
|---|---|---|
| GIFER | Browsing GIF pages with a Download GIF link. | Open the individual page, use its download link and check the actual saved file. |
| GIPHY | Searching reactions and sharing a GIF’s page. | In our check, the Download control led to sign-in. Do not assume every download route works without an account. |
| Tenor | Finding reactions and using sharing options. | Inspect the available file/share route. A copied page URL is not an image file. |
| Wikimedia Commons | Finding animations with a detailed file and license page. | Use Original file where provided and follow that file’s attribution and license requirements. |
How to download a GIF on a computer
- Open the individual GIF page rather than saving the small search-result preview.
- Choose Download GIF, Original file or the site’s equivalent. If it requests sign-in, decide whether to use that account-based route or another suitable source.
- If the browser displays the image itself, use its save-image option. Keep the actual format supplied by the site.
- Open the saved file in a browser or animation-capable viewer and confirm that it moves.
- Check the file information before uploading it elsewhere. A GIF, an MP4 clip and a still image are different formats.
On November 2, 2026, we tried the Download GIF link on this GIFER page. It saved a valid GIF with 52 frames at 360 × 378 pixels. That confirms this one sample, not every download on the site. The GIPHY Download button we tried asked us to sign in.
How to save a GIF on iPhone or Android
Open the original image or its download link first. On some sites, pressing and holding the image offers a save option. Other downloads go to Files or Downloads instead of your photo library, so check there too.
Your gallery may show a still preview of an animated file. Open it in an app that plays GIFs. If a messaging app changes the file when you send it, compare the original with what the other person receives.
Why did I save an MP4, WebP or still picture?
A moving preview may be an MP4 or WebP rather than a GIF. Look for the site’s original-file or download button, then check the saved file type.
Changing an MP4’s name to end in .gif does not convert it. Renaming a still picture will not add animation either. GIFs also have no sound. Keep a video format if you need the audio.
Why an old Tenor GIF picker may stop working
Google’s Tenor notice says its API closed on June 30, 2026. This was the service used by other apps to get GIFs. Tenor.com and Google’s own app experiences continue. An old GIF picker may stop working even though the website is still available. Use the website or your app’s supported replacement.
Can you reuse the GIF?
A free download does not automatically let you use a GIF in any project. Check the rights for that file, especially for business use. Wikimedia Commons shows licenses, but its files are not all public domain. For example, this rotating Earth animation has credit and share-alike requirements.
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If you plan to publish the GIF, keep its source and license details. To make an animation of something you are doing on your computer, our ShareX guide covers ways to record your own.
Common questions
Where can I find GIFs for free?
Try GIFER, GIPHY, Tenor or Wikimedia Commons. Check how each site lets you save the file and whether you need an account or permission to reuse it.
Why is my downloaded GIF not moving?
You may have saved a still preview, or your viewer may not play animations. Open the file in a browser that supports GIFs to check.
Can I download every GIPHY file without signing in?
Not always. The Download button we tried opened a sign-in page.
Can I use any free GIF in an advertisement?
No. Check the file’s license and whether it allows your planned use. A free download alone does not give permission for an advertisement.