Animated GIFs are a staple of the Internet - and thanks to the speedy SAMD51 chip and our Arcada display library, we can show animated GIFs right from the onboard filesystem for keeping your favorite memes with you all the time even when the Internet is down!

In this project we'll show you how to use some nifty Arduino C++ code that can decode GIF files, and display them on a TFT display. Behind the scenes we use DMA for fast display updates so you don't see any flickering.

The SAMD51 microcontroller we use is pretty fast and does the best it can to decode GIFs, but at full-size, complex GIFs may not run at full speed!

We recommend sticking to GIFs that don't have high frame rates, lots of colors, or need to run at full-speed to look good. Plenty of GIFs will look just fine, just don't expect highest quality / high definition!

Supported Boards

The GIF decoder builds on Adafruit Arcada which supports the SAMD51 chipset and color GFX displays. At this time we recommend the following boards which 'just work' and also have touch/joypad controls:

Front view of a Adafruit PyPortal - CircuitPython Powered Internet Display with a pyportal logo image on the display.
PyPortal, our easy-to-use IoT device that allows you to create all the things for the “Internet of Things” in minutes. Make custom touch screen interface...
$54.95
In Stock
Adafruit PyGamer Starter Kit with PCB, enclosure, buttons, and storage bag
Please note: you may get a royal blue or purple case with your starter kit (they're both lovely colors)What fits in your pocket, is fully Open...
Out of Stock
Angled shot of Adafruit PyGamer for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython or Arduino.
What fits in your pocket, is fully Open Source, and can run CircuitPython, MakeCode Arcade or Arduino games you write yourself? That's right, it's the Adafruit...
Out of Stock
Angled shot of a Adafruit PyBadge for MakeCode Arcade, CircuitPython, or Arduino.
What's the size of a credit card and can run CircuitPython, MakeCode Arcade or Arduino? That's right, its the Adafruit PyBadge! We wanted to see how much we...
$34.95
In Stock
Angled Shot of Adafruit PyBadge - Low Cost.
What's the size of a credit card and can run CircuitPython, MakeCode Arcade or Arduino even when you're on a budget? That's right, it's the Adafruit...
Out of Stock

This guide was first published on Mar 20, 2019. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

Text editor powered by tinymce.