GIF89a (Graphics Interchange Format Version 89a)

A GIF89a graphics file is an image formatted according to Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) Version 89a (July, 1989). There was an earlier Version, 87a, from May of 1987, but most images you will see on the Web have probably been created in the newer format. One of the chief advantages of the newer format is the ability to create an animated image that can be played after transmitting to a viewer.page that moves - for example, a twirling icon or a banner with a hand that waves or letters that magically get larger. In particular, an animated GIF is a file in the Graphics Interchange Format specified as GIF89a that contains within the single file a set of images that are presented in a specified order.