Google Gboard gets new GIF creation tool on iOS

By

Gboard GIF creator
The GIF creator sits right above the keyboard.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Google’s excellent Gboard keyboard is now even better on iOS, thanks to a handy GIF creation tool. Users can make two kinds of animated images using their iPhone’s camera, then send their creations via their favorite messaging services.

Gboard’s GIF creator made its debut on Android back in September, and now it has made the leap to iOS, where it sits permanently at the top of the keyboard, calling for you to try it out. Using it couldn’t be easier.

Get your hands on Gboard’s GIF creator

Tap the GIF creator button and you’ll be presented with two modes: Loop, which let’s you shoot Boomerang-style clips that last three seconds, and Fast-Forward, which lets you record up to one minute of video that is then sped up.

When you’ve finished recording and your GIF is created, you can then copy and paste it into iMessage, WhatsApp, or any other messaging service that support GIFs.

Gboard is the best third-party keyboard on iOS

It’s features like this — and all the others Gboard offers — that make it the best third-party keyboard on iOS. And unlike a lot of its rivals, it looks and feels just like Apple’s built-in QuickType keyboard, so it’s incredibly easy to adapt to.

Gboard has the same limitations as other third-party keyboards thanks to Apple’s restrictions, but its many features make it worth it. If you haven’t already tried it out, download if for free from the App Store now.

You may also want to check out Google’s Motion Stills app, which can create GIFs using the Live Photos you’ve already shot on your iPhone.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.