How-to guide
How to Add Text to an Animated GIF
The fastest way is to use the editor on the homepage: load a GIF, add a text layer, set where it appears, preview the animation, then export a GIF download. The file is processed in your browser, so the site does not upload your image or caption text.
Steps
- Open the Add Text to GIF editor.
- Choose a `.gif` file or select the built-in sample GIF.
- Use Add layer for each caption, label, or callout you need.
- Edit the text, font, size, weight, color, outline, shadow, background, opacity, and alignment.
- Drag the selected layer in the preview or enter exact X and Y coordinates.
- Use Start frame and End frame when the text should appear for only part of the animation.
- Preview the result, then export and download the animated GIF.
Tips for Readable GIF Text
Use a strong contrast between text and image. White text with a dark outline works on many GIFs. For busy backgrounds, add a semi-transparent text background or a soft shadow. Keep captions short because GIFs are often viewed at small sizes.
Frame Ranges
A layer can be shown on all frames or a selected range. The frame counter and time readout help you line up captions with action in the GIF. If a caption should appear after a reaction or disappear before a loop point, set a narrower frame range and preview before export.
Privacy
AddTextToGif.net does the editing work locally in the browser. The site does not create a public output URL and does not collect your GIF, filename, text layers, or exported image. See the Privacy Policy for the complete data handling summary.
Limits and Errors
Animated GIFs can use a lot of memory after decoding. If a file is too large, has too many frames, runs too long, or exceeds the tested pixel limit, the editor will stop and explain the limit. Try a shorter GIF or reduce the dimensions before editing.