GIFs can be a powerful way to add subtle motion and visual interest to an email signature — but only when used correctly. Because GIF files can grow in size very quickly (especially with multiple frames), careful optimisation is essential to ensure fast loading times and consistent rendering across all email clients.
To maintain optimal performance and compatibility, we’ve defined clear guidelines for GIF usage in email signatures.
Regarding file size requirements, we adjusted them to ensure optimal performance across all email clients.
GIF files tend to increase in size very quickly — especially when they contain many frames. Setting precise limits helps maintain compatibility and fast loading across platforms.
To establish a consistent guideline moving forward, below are the recommended specifications for GIFs used in email signatures:
Recommended GIF Specs
Maximum width: 600–800 px
Keeping the width in this range balances clarity with performance across desktop and mobile devices. Larger widths significantly increase file size without improving impact.
Total frames: 10–15 frames maximum
Limiting frame count keeps GIFs lightweight. Roughly 10–15 frames provide smooth, subtle animation suitable for email.
Colour palette: ~64–128 colours
Most optimised GIFs use 64–128 colours instead of the full 256, reducing file size dramatically with minimal visual impact.
Text: Keep minimal text — short, bold, and large for better readability and smaller file sizes.
How to Compress a GIF
Compressing a GIF typically involves using a third-party tool such as ezGIF. These tools are easy to use but offer limited fine-grained control.
Step 1: Upload the GIF
Upload your GIF using drag-and-drop or file selection.
Step 2: Choose Compression Options
Most tools provide preset options, including:
- Reducing resolution
- Lowering frame rate
- Removing frames
- Reducing colour depth
Your control is limited to predefined settings with no advanced customisation.
Step 3: Apply Compression
The tool processes the GIF and generates a smaller file by discarding visual data.
Step 4: Download the GIF
Download the optimised file and use it in your email signature or platform.
Reasons Not to Convert Video to GIF
- Poor image quality: Limited to 256 colours, causing banding and pixelation.
- Large file sizes: Much heavier than modern video formats like MP4.
- No audio: GIFs do not support sound.
- Performance impact: Large GIFs hurt page performance and LCP metrics.
- Outdated format: Most platforms convert GIFs back into video.
- Accessibility issues: Looping motion can be distracting or problematic.
Why These Limits Matter
These parameters balance visual quality and performance. Limiting size, frames, and text complexity keeps file sizes manageable while ensuring consistent rendering across all email clients and devices.
Following these guidelines ensures your email signature remains professional, reliable, and optimised for deliverability.
