Move .gif to desktop

Export it as an Unmodified Original.

APPLEAL wrote:

I have a .gif in Photos and would like to move it to my desktop and have it function as a .gif when double clicked.

FWIW, double-clicking a .gif on the Desktop or in a folder will just open it in Preview. If you select a .gif and press the space bar it should open in Quick Look and hopefully animate.

Hold down the Option key and try dragging the gif's thumbnail to the Desktop. Do you get the .gif file?

Try the following in order as needed:

1 - As a test launch Photos with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Import a couple of gifs and test to see if the same problem persists. Does it? Then reopen your current library and test again.

2 - boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

You should have gotten two files with that export: 1 - image.gif and 2 - image.xml

Note: you don't need to select the option for the xml file.

Did you get the image.gif export?

What Mac model and year are you using?

What system and Photos versions do you have?

Have you installed and run any "cleaning", "optimizing", "speed-up", anti-virus or VPN apps on your Mac?

Excellent catch. That's what I did to plant animated gifs but didn't catch his double click.

I try to do my part. 😎