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Windows · Download, Screen Capture & AI Tools

ScreenToGif for Windows

Free, open-source tool for recording the screen, webcam, or a sketchboard directly to an editable GIF, video, or APNG file.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

ScreenToGif is built around one specific job: turning a short screen recording into a clean, shareable GIF (or video/APNG) rather than being a general screenshot tool first. It records a chosen screen region, a webcam feed, or a blank sketchboard for drawing directly, then opens the result in a frame-by-frame editor.

The editor is the standout feature — you can delete, reorder, or adjust the timing of individual frames, add text or shape overlays, apply transitions, and reduce colors or resize output to control file size before exporting, all without leaving the app.

It's a natural fit for writing documentation, bug reports, or tutorials where a short looping GIF communicates a UI interaction better than a static screenshot or a full video file would.

ScreenToGif is free and open source, developed by a single primary maintainer with community contributions, and distributed with no paid tier.

Key features

  • Screen, webcam, or sketchboard recording
  • Frame-by-frame editor with reordering, timing, and deletion controls
  • Export to GIF, video (MP4/AVI/etc.), or APNG
  • Text, shape, and cursor overlays added in post-editing
  • Color reduction and resizing tools to control output file size
  • Free and open source with active community plugins/extensions

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Architecture
x64 or x86
Installation option
Installer, portable, or Microsoft Store build available

How to install ScreenToGif

  1. 1. Download the installer or portable build

    Choose from screentogif.com, or install via the Microsoft Store.

  2. 2. Run the installer

    Setup is quick with no bundled offers.

  3. 3. Choose a recording mode

    Pick Screen, Webcam, or Board recorder from the main window depending on what you want to capture.

  4. 4. Set your output preferences

    Configure default frame rate and output format in options before your first export.

How to use it

  1. 1. Record a short interaction

    Use the Screen recorder to capture a specific window or region for a UI walkthrough.

  2. 2. Trim and reorder frames

    In the editor, delete unwanted frames from the start or end, and reorder any that recorded out of sequence.

  3. 3. Reduce file size before exporting

    Use the resize and color-reduction options in the editor if the GIF needs to be smaller for sharing or embedding.

  4. 4. Export to video instead of GIF

    Choose a video format on export if you need smaller file size or smoother playback than GIF allows.

Safety and privacy

  • Download from screentogif.com or the official Microsoft Store listing; the app is open source and reviewable.
  • The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
  • We link only to the developer's own site/Store listing and have not independently audited the current build beyond its open-source status.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
ScreenToGif works entirely locally with no account requirement and no built-in cloud upload feature.

Known risks

  • As with any capture tool, review recordings for sensitive information visible on screen before sharing the output.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • Purpose-built for the specific job of screen-to-GIF workflows
    • Powerful frame-by-frame editor
    • Free, open source, no paid tier
    • Multiple export formats beyond just GIF

    Cons

    • Narrower focus than a general screenshot or full recording suite
    • GIF output file sizes can get large without careful editing
    • Interface is functional rather than modern-looking
    • Windows only

    Verdict

    ScreenToGif is the best free option specifically for turning short screen interactions into clean, editable GIFs, thanks to its genuinely useful frame editor. For general screenshots, pair it with Greenshot or ShareX rather than relying on it alone.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is ScreenToGif free?

    Yes, entirely free and open source with no paid tier.

    Can ScreenToGif export video, not just GIF?

    Yes, it can export to video formats and APNG in addition to GIF.

    Is ScreenToGif safe?

    It's open source and available directly from screentogif.com or the official Microsoft Store listing, with no bundled offers in the installer.

    Does ScreenToGif work on Windows 11?

    Yes, the installer, portable build, and Microsoft Store version all support Windows 11 and Windows 10.