How to Resize a GIF for Tumblr
By Warren Davies
A GIF is unique among image files in that you can use it to make short animations made up of multiple still images. However, this can also drastically increase the file size, especially if the image is large or of high quality. Since tumblr has a 10MB upload limit as of publication, you might need to make larger GIFs a little smaller before uploading them, using a free image resizer like Picasion, Resize Pic or Ezgif.
Using Picasion
Step 1
Launch your browser and go to the Picasion GIF resizing tool (link in Resources).
Step 2
Click the “Choose File” button, and then upload the GIF file that you want to resize.
Step 3
Use the “Size” drop-down menu to choose a new size. There are a few preset options, but you can choose “Custom” and enter your own value if you prefer. You can also set the “Quality,” “Effect” and “Rotation” options too.
Step 4
Click “Resize image” and wait for the operation to complete. When it does, right-click the image and click “Save-as” to save it to your computer ready for uploading to Tumblr. Alternatively, use the “Direct link” URL to embed the image in your tumblr posts.
Using Resize Pic
Step 1
Launch your browser and go to the Resize Pic GIF resizing tool (link in Resources).
Step 2
Click the “Choose File” button, and then upload the GIF file that you want to resize.
Step 3
Enter a width and height for the resized image into the corresponding fields. Unlike Picasion, Resize Pic allows you to alter the aspect ratio of the image, meaning changing the height to a greater or lesser amount than your change the width. If you do this, it might make the image appear stretched, so take care when choosing your dimensions.
Step 4
Click “Resize Image.” Right-click the result, save it to your computer, and then upload it to Tumblr.
Using Ezgif
Step 1
Launch your browser and go to the Ezgif resizing tool (link in Resources).
Step 2
Click the “Choose File” button, and then select the GIF file from your hard drive. Alternatively, enter the URL of a GIF located on the Web -- an option not available with Picasion or Resize Pic. Click “Upload” and wait for your image to appear.
Step 3
Select “resize” from the row of buttons above the image. Two text boxes appear below the image -- enter the new height and width that you require into these. Enter “0” into a box to maintain the dimensions of the image relative to the figure entered in the other box.
Step 4
Select a Resize method from the drop-down menu. “ImageMagick” produces good results in most cases, though some files will need “ImageMagick + coalesce.” “Gifsicle” produces lower quality results, but is much faster than the other two.
Step 5
Click “Resize it!” to complete the operation. Right-click, select “Save as,” and then upload the resized GIF to Tumblr.
Writer Bio
Warren Davies has been writing since 2007, focusing on bespoke projects for online clients such as PsyT and The Institute of Coaching. This has been alongside work in research, web design and blogging. A Linux user and gamer, warren trains in martial arts as a hobby. He has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in psychology, and further qualifications in statistics and business studies.