Interlaced GIF

What does Interlaced GIF mean?

An Interlaced GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a type of image file that employs an interlacing technique to gradually display the image as it downloads. Unlike Progressive JPEGs, which gradually increase the image quality, interlaced GIFs display the image line by line, starting with every other line and gradually filling in the gaps. This technique reduces the perceived load time, making it ideal for slow internet connections.

Applications

The applications of Interlaced GIFs are primarily related to web design and online content delivery. In the early days of the internet, dial-up modems were prevalent, and websites often used Interlaced GIFs to improve the user Experience by providing a visual representation of the page as it loaded. Today, Interlaced GIFs are still used in certain cases, such as:

• Web banners: Interlaced GIFs are often used in web banners to create an immediate visual impact, as the banner can begin to display even while still downloading.
• Animated GIFs: Interlaced GIFs can be used to create animated GIFs, where each frame is displayed sequentially.
• Sprites: Interlaced GIFs are commonly used in video game sprites, where the interlacing effect reduces flicker during animation.

History

The Interlaced GIF was developed in 1989 by CompuServe as an extension to the original GIF format. The GOAL was to address the slow Loading times experienced with GIFs on dial-up connections. By displaying the image line by line, Interlaced GIFs provided a more visually appealing experience during the download process.

The Interlaced GIF quickly gained popularity, becoming a Standard for web images in the early 1990s. However, with the advent of faster internet connections and the development of progressive JPEGs, Interlaced GIFs gradually declined in usage. Today, Interlaced GIFs are primarily legacy formats used in specific applications.