This article explains how to add GIFs to a PowerPoint presentation, plus how to find GIFs using PowerPoint. Instructions in this article apply to PowerPoint 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; PowerPoint Online, and PowerPoint for Microsoft 365.

What to Know

  • In Windows: Insert > Pictures. Navigate to and select the GIF. Press Insert. Go to Slide Show > From Current… to test the GIF.Online: Insert > Pictures > This Device. Select Choose File, double-click the GIF, and press Insert.On a Mac: Insert > Pictures > Picture from File. Navigate to and select the GIF. Press Insert. Go to Slide Show > From Current… to test the GIF.

How to Insert a GIF in PowerPoint 2010 or Newer

  • Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to add a GIF.
  • Go to Insert and click Pictures.
  • In the Insert Picture dialog box, navigate to the location of the GIF file on your computer, choose the file, and click Insert. In some versions of PowerPoint it might be called Open.
  • Go to Slide Show and select From Current Slide in the Start Slide Show group to animate the GIF.

How to Insert a GIF in PowerPoint for Mac

Add in a GIF to the Mac version of PowerPoint is nearly identical to its Windows counterpart.

Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to add a GIF. 

Go to Insert and click Pictures.

In the Insert Picture dialog box, navigate to the location of the GIF file on your computer, choose the file, and click Insert. In some versions of PowerPoint it might be called Open.

Go to Slide Show and select From Current Slide in the Start Slide Show group to animate the GIF.

When you play the presentation, the GIF is animated automatically.

  • Open PowerPoint and go to the slide in the presentation where you want to put a GIF.
  • Go to Insert.
  • Select Pictures and choose Picture from File.
  • Navigate to the location of the GIF file on your computer, choose the file, and select Insert.
  • Go to Slide Show and select Play from Current Slide to view the animation.

Insert GIF Into PowerPoint Online

Although not as robust as the premium desktop versions, you can still insert a GIF in PowerPoint Online, and view the animation by starting the slide show, just like you can in the desktop version.

Open PowerPoint and go to the slide in the presentation where you want to put a GIF.

Go to Insert.

Select Pictures and choose Picture from File.

Navigate to the location of the GIF file on your computer, choose the file, and select Insert. 

Go to Slide Show and select Play from Current Slide to view the animation.

  • Sign in to your Microsoft account online and go to PowerPoint.
  • Go to the slide where you want to add a GIF.
  • Go to Insert > Pictures > This Device. The Insert Picture dialog box opens.
  • Select Choose File, double-click the GIF file from your computer, and press Insert.

How to Find GIF Files

If you don’t want to use a GIF you have downloaded to your computer, use the online image search feature of PowerPoint to locate one.

Sign in to your Microsoft account online and go to PowerPoint. 

Go to the slide where you want to add a GIF. 

Go to Insert > Pictures > This Device. The Insert Picture dialog box opens.

Select Choose File, double-click the GIF file from your computer, and press Insert.

  • Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to add a GIF.
  • Go to Insert.
  • Select Clip Art in PowerPoint 2010 or Online Pictures in PowerPoint 2013 or newer.
  • Type animated or gif in the search box and press Enter. Narrow your options by adding a keyword, such as animated duck or business gif.
  • Place a check next to Creative Commons Only to search for images you can legally use in your presentation.
  • Select the GIF you want to use and select Insert to add it to the slide.

Go to Insert.

Select Clip Art in PowerPoint 2010 or Online Pictures in PowerPoint 2013 or newer.

Type animated or gif in the search box and press Enter. Narrow your options by adding a keyword, such as animated duck or business gif.

Place a check next to Creative Commons Only to search for images you can legally use in your presentation.

Select the GIF you want to use and select Insert to add it to the slide. 

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