How to make a text GIF
This text GIF maker uses the Animated text template, so you don't need a video or photo, just your words. It makes a 480×270 GIF, a wide 16:9 shape that suits chats, slides and email headers.
- Type your textEnter a word or a short line. The fewer characters, the bigger each letter can be.
- Pick a styleTypewriter reveals the text letter by letter. Bounce makes the letters bounce. Rainbow runs colors through the text. Blink flashes it on and off.
- Choose a background colorPick one that contrasts strongly with the text, like dark navy behind white letters.
- Tap Make my GIFTap Make my GIF, then download, copy or share the result. There's no watermark and no sign-up.
Tips for readable text in a GIF
- Keep it short. One to four words is the sweet spot. A full sentence has to shrink to fit 480 px and gets hard to read on a phone.
- Contrast beats color. Light text on a dark background, or the reverse, survives the GIF format's 256-color palette better than two mid-tones that look fine on your screen.
- Leave reading time. People need a moment to take in the words. With Typewriter, a shorter phrase leaves more of each loop showing the finished text.
- Use Blink sparingly. Fast flashing can be uncomfortable for some people. Keep it to a single word, like an alert or a sign, and skip it in shared work channels.
- Think about where it lands. Chat apps often show GIFs smaller than their real size, so bigger letters win. Shrink the preview in your mind to thumbnail size: if a word gets lost, cut it.
Add text to a video or photo instead
If you want words on top of a clip, like a reaction, a meme or a subtitle, use the Caption controls in the main editor. The caption GIF maker page covers styles, placement and meme tips.
For sparkly words with twinkling stars, try the glitter text template. It has Gold, Pink, Silver and Rainbow themes and can sit on a color or on your own photo.
Where text GIFs work well
Animated text gets noticed where a static word gets skipped. A bouncing “Thank you” on the last slide of a deck. A blinking “Live” on a stream overlay. A typewriter “brb” in the group chat. A rainbow “Happy birthday” for a friend who'd hate a card.
Text-only GIFs tend to be small because most of each frame is one flat color, which makes them a good fit for email, where under 1 MB is a safe target. Want something with your own footage instead? Start at the GIF maker.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a text GIF?
Open the text GIF maker, type your words, choose Typewriter, Bounce, Rainbow or Blink, pick a background color and tap Make my GIF. It's free with no watermark.
What size is the animated text GIF?
Animated text GIFs are 480×270 pixels, a 16:9 shape that suits chats, slides and email.
How do I add text to a video GIF?
Drop your video into the main DropGIF editor and open Caption. Type your text, choose Outline, Shadow or Box, and set it to the top or bottom of the frame.
Is the text GIF maker free?
Yes. It's free with no watermark and no sign-up, and the GIF is made on your device.
Will a text GIF work in an email?
Most email apps play GIFs, and text GIFs are usually small because they use few colors. Keeping the file under 1 MB helps it load quickly.