How to Add Text to a GIF

Direct text overlays are coming to GifMash in Phase 3. For now, here's the workflow using the frame extractor.

Step-by-step guide

1
Extract frames from your GIF
Use GifMash's Frame Extractor (gifmash.com/gif-frame-extractor) to download all frames as PNG files.
2
Add text to each frame using an image editor
Open the frames in any image editor (Photoshop, GIMP, Canva) and add your text overlay. Export each frame as a PNG.
3
Convert frames back to GIF
GifMash's GIF Maker tool (coming soon) will let you re-assemble frames into an animated GIF with custom delays.

Extract GIF frames

Download every frame as a PNG to edit externally.

Keep text short and high-contrast — it needs to be legible at small sizes.
Use a font with a drop shadow or outline for better readability on complex backgrounds.
Text is best added before compressing — adding it after causes a second lossy encode.

Can I add text to a GIF without Photoshop?

Yes — Canva and GIMP are free tools that support GIF frame editing. GifMash's Add Text tool (Phase 3) will handle it directly in the browser.

Will adding text increase GIF file size?

Yes — text adds unique pixel patterns that compress poorly compared to blank areas. Keep text brief.