How to install the GIF maker app
DropGIF is a web app (a PWA), so one GIF maker app works on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebooks. Installing it adds an icon to your home screen or app list, opens it in its own window, and keeps it working offline. Pick your device:
- iPhone and iPadOpen dropgif.com in Safari and tap Share. On newer versions of iOS, Share is inside the three-dot menu next to the address bar. Choose Add to Home Screen, leave Open as Web App on if you see it, and tap Add.
- AndroidOpen dropgif.com in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Install app or Add to Home screen. Confirm with Install.
- Windows and Mac (Chrome or Edge)Click the install icon at the right end of the address bar, then Install. DropGIF opens in its own window and shows up with your other apps.
- ChromebookUse the same install icon in Chrome's address bar. The app appears in your launcher next to everything else.
Why a web app instead of an app store download
There's no app store listing and nothing to download besides the web app itself. Updates arrive on their own, with no update prompts. The app can only see the files you choose to give it, not the rest of your phone or computer.
Like the website, the app does everything on your device. After the first load it works offline, so you can turn a video into a GIF on a plane or somewhere with no signal. It's the same free tool, too: no watermark, no sign-up, and free GIFs up to 480 px wide and 20 seconds long.
Planning to use Remove background offline? Try it once while you're connected, so its AI model is downloaded to your device first.
Share a video to DropGIF on Android
Once it's installed on Android, DropGIF appears in the system share sheet. In your gallery, Google Photos or a chat app, tap Share on a video and pick DropGIF. It opens with your clip loaded, so you can go straight to trimming.
iPhone doesn't let apps share into a web app this way. Open DropGIF from your Home Screen instead and tap Pick a video or photos to choose from your library. The iPhone video to GIF page has more phone tips.
Choosing a GIF maker for mobile or PC
When you compare free GIF maker apps, check three things: does the free version add a watermark, does it need an account, and does it upload your videos? DropGIF says no to all three. See exactly what's included on the free GIF maker page.
On a phone, the app is best for quick reactions: record, trim, caption and share to a chat in one go, using the system share sheet. On a PC or Mac, the bigger screen makes precise trimming easier, and you can paste a file with Ctrl/⌘ + V. Pro adds batch convert for up to 10 files, which is easiest on a desktop.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free GIF maker app for iPhone?
Yes. Open dropgif.com in Safari, tap Share (inside the three-dot menu on newer iOS), then Add to Home Screen. It installs as a free web app with no App Store download and no watermark.
Does the GIF maker app work offline?
Yes. After the first visit, DropGIF works without a connection because everything runs on your device. Remove background needs to download its AI model once before it can work offline.
What is the best GIF maker for PC?
Look for one that runs in your browser, adds no watermark and doesn't upload your files. DropGIF does all three and can be installed as a desktop app from the Chrome or Edge address bar.
Do I need to download anything?
No app store download is needed. Installing just saves the web app to your device so it opens in its own window and works offline.
Is the app different from the website?
No. It's the same GIF maker with the same features and limits. Installing it adds an icon, its own window and offline use.