How do I resize GIF files?

Optimo supports three resize modes: percentage (--resize 50%), dimensions (--resize w960 or --resize h480), and target file size (--resize 150kB). Run "npx optimo animation.gif --resize " to resize and optimize in one step.

What is the best resize mode for GIF?

Use dimensions (--resize w960) when you know the display size. Use percentage (--resize 50%) for quick scaling. Use target file size (--resize 150kB) for thumbnails and budgets. Resizing is usually the single biggest lever for reducing GIF file size.

Resize GIF files

Resizing is usually the biggest lever for reducing GIF file size.

Last updated: 2026-03-18

To resize GIF files, run npx optimo animation.gif --resize <value>. Optimo supports three modes: percentage (50%), dimensions (w960), and target file size (150kB). Resizing reduces both dimensions and file size in one step — often more effective than compression alone.

Resize by percentage

Quick way to scale down when you don't know exact dimensions yet.

npx optimo animation.gif --resize 50%

Resize by dimensions

Cap width or height to match how the asset is displayed.

npx optimo animation.gif --resize w960

Use w for width and h for height.

Resize to a target file size

Useful for thumbnails and previews when you want predictable budgets.

npx optimo animation.gif --resize 150kB

Start with a budget you can ship everywhere, then adjust based on quality.

GIF-specific tips

Animated GIFs explode in size with resolution; resize aggressively.
Try `--resize w640` (or smaller) before converting to MP4/WebM.
If you need transparency, consider animated WebP as an alternative.

Optimize GIF Compress GIF GIF format guide

More image formats

Resize PNG Resize JPEG Resize WebP Resize AVIF Resize HEIC Resize JPEG XL Resize SVG

Frequently asked questions

How do I resize GIF files?: Optimo supports three resize modes: percentage (--resize 50%), dimensions (--resize w960 or --resize h480), and target file size (--resize 150kB). Run "npx optimo animation.gif --resize <value>" to resize and optimize in one step.
What is the best resize mode for GIF?: Use dimensions (--resize w960) when you know the display size. Use percentage (--resize 50%) for quick scaling. Use target file size (--resize 150kB) for thumbnails and budgets. Resizing is usually the single biggest lever for reducing GIF file size.