Personalization is a pivotal aspect of our online experience, from profile pictures to wallpapers. Google allows users to customize their homepage with backgrounds and colors of their choice, but have you ever wanted your background to be a GIF?
Not only will a GIF background allow for more customizable and give your homepage some liveliness, but the process is simple.
How Can You Make Your Google Background a GIF?
First, use Google Images to search for the GIF image you want to use. Once you have searched for the image, click on Tools under the search bar, then click on Type, and then GIF from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can type GIF into the search bar.
When you find an image, left-click on it, then right-click to reveal the context menu where you will click Save image as. When the File Explorer opens, choose the save destination, give it a name (optional), and click Save or press Enter.
Now, open a new tab and click the Customize icon shaped like a pencil on the bottom right to open the menu. Next, click Upload from device and double-click on your saved GIF in the File Explorer.
Your Google homepage will now play the GIF. And you can repeat this process to replace the GIF with a new one.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Having a GIF Background?
While you can save and use any GIF file you wish, there are some drawbacks. For instance, the dimensions should match the orientation of your browser window.
The most common and recommended aspect ratio is 16:9 (landscape) since the image will be full-screen and fit to cover the whole homepage. Also, the size and quality of the GIF could slow down your browser, depending on your internet connection.
Furthermore, it is best to avoid vertical or square GIFs as they will become stretched, making them blurry and not displaying the full image.
Personalize Your Google Background
Making a GIF as your Google background can add a personal touch to your browser homepage, whether it’s a funny animation, a time-lapse photo, or your favorite movie clip. Though, the use of a GIF background doesn’t come without drawbacks, the main being the increase in data usage and possible decrease in browser speed.
While you can change your homepage background, do you know you can also change the color of websites on any browser?