How to Save Tumblr GIFs on PC or Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Tumblr is a treasure trove of captivating GIFs, from hilarious memes to mesmerizing animations. However, unlike images, saving GIFs from Tumblr isn’t always as straightforward as right-clicking and choosing ‘Save Image As.’ This is because many GIFs on Tumblr are embedded as video files or use specific hosting methods. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to save your favorite Tumblr GIFs to your PC or Mac, covering multiple methods to ensure you never miss out on that perfect looping moment.

Understanding the Challenge: Why Saving Tumblr GIFs Can Be Tricky

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why saving GIFs from Tumblr can be a bit complex. The primary reason is that Tumblr often embeds GIFs in different ways. Here are a few common scenarios:

• Direct GIF URLs: Sometimes, a GIF is hosted as a direct GIF file, which makes it easy to save with a simple right-click.
• Embedded Video Files: Many Tumblr GIFs are actually embedded as video files (usually MP4 or WebM) that loop to mimic a GIF. These require a different approach to save.
• Third-Party Hosting: Some Tumblr blogs host their GIFs on third-party platforms, which means you might need to navigate to another site to download the file.

Understanding these different methods will help you select the right approach to save your desired GIF.

Method 1: The Simplest Approach – Right-Click and Save (When It Works)

The most straightforward method is often the first thing you try – the right-click menu. This method only works when the GIF is hosted as a direct GIF file. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Find the GIF: Navigate to the Tumblr post containing the GIF you want to save.
2. Right-Click: Place your cursor over the GIF and right-click (or control-click on Mac).
3. Select ‘Save Image As’: In the context menu, you should see an option like ‘Save Image As…’ or a similar wording depending on your browser.
4. Choose a Location: A save dialog box will appear. Select a folder on your computer and give your GIF a name (ensure the file extension is .gif).
5. Click ‘Save’: Click the ‘Save’ button to download the GIF.

When does this work? This method is effective when the GIF is hosted directly as a .gif file on Tumblr’s servers or is readily accessible through a direct URL. However, if you only see options like ‘Copy Image Address’ or similar, and the preview is not a .gif file, this method won’t work.

Method 2: Saving Embedded Videos as GIFs Using Browser’s Developer Tools

When right-clicking doesn’t work, it’s highly likely that the ‘GIF’ is actually an embedded video file. In this case, you’ll need to use your browser’s developer tools to find the direct video link and save it. Don’t worry; it sounds more complicated than it is. Here’s a breakdown:

Using Chrome’s Developer Tools

1. Navigate to the Tumblr Post: Open the Tumblr post containing the GIF you want to save in your Chrome browser.
2. Open Developer Tools: Right-click anywhere on the page (but not directly on the GIF) and select ‘Inspect’ or ‘Inspect Element.’ Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac).
3. Go to the ‘Network’ Tab: In the Developer Tools panel, click on the ‘Network’ tab.
4. Filter by ‘Media’: Under the ‘Network’ tab, look for a filter option. Click ‘Media’ to filter only media files.
5. Reload the Page: Refresh the Tumblr page by pressing F5 or clicking the reload icon in your browser. This will make all the media files load in the network tab.
6. Locate the Video File: Look for a file with the extension .mp4 or .webm in the ‘Name’ column of the network tab. There will usually be only a few files. If the GIF is looping continuously it will be among these few files.
7. Copy the File Link: Once you have found the video file (.mp4 or .webm), right click on it and select ‘Copy’ then ‘Copy Link Address.’
8. Open the Link in a New Tab: Open a new tab in your browser and paste the copied URL into the address bar. Press Enter to load the video.
9. Save the Video: Right-click on the video in the new tab, and select ‘Save video as’ or a similar option. This will save it as an MP4 or WebM file.
10. Converting the Video to GIF (optional): To convert the video to a GIF file, you can use an online video to GIF converter, or a dedicated video editing software. Some online options include ezgif.com, cloudconvert.com, or similar free conversion websites. Upload the saved video file to the website and follow the instructions provided by the site to create a .gif file.

Using Safari’s Developer Tools

1. Enable Developer Tools: If you haven’t already, you need to enable the ‘Develop’ menu in Safari. Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced, and check the box that says ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar.’
2. Navigate to the Tumblr Post: Open the Tumblr post containing the GIF you want to save in your Safari browser.
3. Open Developer Tools: Now, go to Develop in the menu bar, and select ‘Show Web Inspector.’ The shortcut is Cmd+Option+I.
4. Go to the ‘Network’ Tab: In the Web Inspector, click on the ‘Network’ tab.
5. Filter by ‘Media’: At the bottom of the ‘Network’ tab look for the filter options. Select ‘Media’ to filter only media files.
6. Reload the Page: Refresh the Tumblr page by pressing Cmd+R or clicking the reload icon in your browser. This will make all the media files load in the network tab.
7. Locate the Video File: Look for a file with the extension .mp4 or .webm in the ‘Name’ column of the network tab. There will usually be only a few files. If the GIF is looping continuously it will be among these few files.
8. Copy the File Link: Once you have found the video file (.mp4 or .webm), right click on it and select ‘Copy URL.’
9. Open the Link in a New Tab: Open a new tab in your browser and paste the copied URL into the address bar. Press Enter to load the video.
10. Save the Video: Right-click on the video in the new tab, and select ‘Save video as’ or a similar option. This will save it as an MP4 or WebM file.
11. Converting the Video to GIF (optional): To convert the video to a GIF file, you can use an online video to GIF converter, or a dedicated video editing software. Some online options include ezgif.com, cloudconvert.com, or similar free conversion websites. Upload the saved video file to the website and follow the instructions provided by the site to create a .gif file.

Using Firefox’s Developer Tools

1. Navigate to the Tumblr Post: Open the Tumblr post containing the GIF you want to save in your Firefox browser.
2. Open Developer Tools: Right-click anywhere on the page (but not directly on the GIF) and select ‘Inspect’ or ‘Inspect Element.’ Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac).
3. Go to the ‘Network’ Tab: In the Developer Tools panel, click on the ‘Network’ tab.
4. Filter by ‘Media’: Under the ‘Network’ tab, click ‘Media’ to filter the list by media files.
5. Reload the Page: Refresh the Tumblr page by pressing F5 or clicking the reload icon in your browser. This will make all the media files load in the network tab.
6. Locate the Video File: Look for a file with the extension .mp4 or .webm in the ‘File’ column of the network tab. There will usually be only a few files. If the GIF is looping continuously it will be among these few files.
7. Copy the File Link: Once you have found the video file (.mp4 or .webm), right click on it and select ‘Copy’ then ‘Copy Link Address.’
8. Open the Link in a New Tab: Open a new tab in your browser and paste the copied URL into the address bar. Press Enter to load the video.
9. Save the Video: Right-click on the video in the new tab, and select ‘Save video as’ or a similar option. This will save it as an MP4 or WebM file.
10. Converting the Video to GIF (optional): To convert the video to a GIF file, you can use an online video to GIF converter, or a dedicated video editing software. Some online options include ezgif.com, cloudconvert.com, or similar free conversion websites. Upload the saved video file to the website and follow the instructions provided by the site to create a .gif file.

This method, while more technical, is effective for saving virtually any looping videos that Tumblr uses as ‘GIFs’. Remember to choose your file location and rename the video file if needed before converting it.

Method 3: Using Browser Extensions for Easy GIF Downloading

If you find the developer tools approach too cumbersome, you can use a browser extension. Numerous extensions available can help you download Tumblr GIFs more easily. These extensions typically detect embedded video files and offer a ‘Download GIF’ option directly in the Tumblr post.

Recommended Browser Extensions:

• Tumblr Savior (Chrome): This extension is designed to make downloading Tumblr content easier, including GIFs, videos, and images. It adds a download button right on the post.
• Tumblr Downloader (Chrome): Similar to Tumblr Savior, this extension provides a straightforward way to download various media, including embedded videos masquerading as GIFs.
• Video DownloadHelper (Firefox/Chrome): Though not specifically designed for Tumblr, this versatile extension can detect and download media files on most websites, including Tumblr, making it a reliable option.
• Tumblr Save (Chrome/Firefox): An extension that adds a download button directly onto a tumblr post containing a gif.

How to Use Browser Extensions:

1. Install the Extension: Go to your browser’s extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons) and search for one of the recommended extensions (or a similar one you like). Install the extension and make sure it is enabled.
2. Navigate to Tumblr: Go to the Tumblr post with the GIF you want to save.
3. Locate the Download Option: Depending on the extension, you’ll either see a download button on the Tumblr post (often next to the original like/reblog buttons) or a download option when you right-click on the ‘GIF’ or the entire tumblr post.
4. Click to Download: Click on the download button or option provided by the extension. The GIF (or video file) will download to your computer, usually as a .mp4.
5. Converting the Video to GIF (optional): If you download an MP4/WebM, you may convert it into a GIF using an online video to GIF converter as previously mentioned.

Browser extensions are a user-friendly method for saving Tumblr GIFs, especially if you plan to download GIFs frequently. It simplifies the process and saves you time.

Method 4: Utilizing Third-Party Tumblr Downloader Websites

Another option for saving Tumblr GIFs is to use third-party websites specifically designed for this purpose. These websites usually require you to input the Tumblr post URL, and they then extract the media file for download. This method avoids the need for browser extensions or developer tools, but be cautious and only use reputable websites to avoid malware or phishing.

How to Use Third-Party Tumblr Downloaders:

1. Copy the Post URL: Navigate to the Tumblr post containing the GIF and copy the URL from your browser’s address bar.
2. Visit a Tumblr Downloader Website: Choose a reliable third-party website such as tumpik.com, tumblrvideo.com or similar.
3. Paste the URL: Paste the copied Tumblr post URL into the input field provided on the website.
4. Click ‘Download’: Click the download button, or similar, provided by the website.
5. Choose a File: The website should then provide a list of downloadable files associated with that post. You may have a list of options such as the original video file (MP4 or WebM), a preview image or in some cases a converted GIF. Choose the file you want.
6. Download the GIF: Select the file option you want and click the download link provided. This will download the file to your computer.
7. Converting the Video to GIF (optional): If you download an MP4/WebM, you may convert it into a GIF using an online video to GIF converter as previously mentioned.

Third-party downloaders offer a straightforward way to download Tumblr GIFs without any browser add-ons or inspecting network data, however they may not always work with all types of Tumblr posts and may contain advertisements. Use these with caution.

Method 5: Using Screen Recording Software

While not the most precise method for saving a high-quality GIF directly, it can be a simple solution if the other options are failing. This method involves recording your screen while the GIF plays and then saving that recording as a GIF. It’s not ideal for complex animations, but it can work in a pinch.

Steps to Use Screen Recording:

1. Install Screen Recorder: Install screen recording software. Windows has a built in screen recorder called Xbox Game Bar (Win+G shortcut), MacOS users can use QuickTime Player (Cmd+Shift+5) and there are several third-party options available too.
2. Start the Recording: Open the screen recording software and begin recording.
3. Play the GIF: Navigate to the Tumblr post with the GIF you want to record and start playing it. Be sure that it loops a few times while you are recording.
4. Stop the Recording: Stop the screen recording after capturing the full duration of the GIF a few times.
5. Edit the recording (optional): Edit the video recording using your video editor to only include the GIF loop you want to save, and trim out anything unwanted.
6. Converting the Video to GIF: Convert the screen recording to GIF using your chosen method (online converter or video editor).

This method may not produce the highest quality GIF due to screen capture limitations, but it is a universally available method if you cannot use the previously mentioned steps.

Converting Video Files to GIF

As seen in the previous methods, many times you will be saving your Tumblr GIF as a video file. In such cases, the easiest way to convert your saved video to a GIF is using an online converter. There are many options available online, here are a few recommendations:

• ezgif.com: Ezgif is a free and easy-to-use online GIF creation and editing website, that has various tools such as GIF to MP4, MP4 to GIF and many more.
• CloudConvert.com: CloudConvert is a powerful conversion tool that is able to convert various file formats including MP4 to GIF, WebM to GIF and more.
• Convertio.co: Convertio has all the features and options of the above mentioned websites and offers an easy and intuitive design.
• Adobe Media Encoder (Paid): If you own Adobe software this can be a good option to convert video files to GIF without quality loss.

All these websites are free to use with limitations. Usually you will be required to upload your video to the site, set any options you want and download the converted GIF.

Choosing the Best Method

The best method for saving Tumblr GIFs depends on the situation:

• Simple GIFs: If right-clicking works, go for it.
• Embedded Videos: Browser’s developer tools or a browser extension are the most efficient options.
• Occasional Downloads: Third-party downloader websites can be a good alternative.
• Last Resort: Screen recording might work when all else fails.
• For ease of use: Browser extensions are recommended if you want a quick and simple way to download Tumblr GIFs.

Conclusion

Saving GIFs from Tumblr doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By using the right method for the type of file Tumblr uses, you can easily download and save those captivating looped moments to your computer. From right-clicking to developer tools, browser extensions, third-party websites, and screen recording, you now have a range of options to choose from, ensuring that you can get that perfect Tumblr GIF you’ve been wanting. Now you can enjoy your favorite Tumblr GIFs on your PC or Mac anytime!