For what purposes is the .gif image format used?

The .gif (Graphics Interchange Format) image format is used for:

• Displaying simple graphic images with a limited palette (up to 256 colors).
• Creating animations — GIF supports multiple frames that are played sequentially, creating a motion effect.
• Using transparency (one color can be transparent).

GIF is often used for short animated images on the internet, memes, icons, and simple charts, where support for animation and transparency is important with a small file size.