Imagemagick PECL extension or PHP built-in GD image library

[shanew]

In my admin page, it is showing

Imagick support : No

The default setting is PHP built-in GD image library and I am using this option. I should install Imagick and choose Imagick to use for my forum. Is it better? When do I need to choose Imagemagick PECL extension?

 

[duderuud]

I've learned that PHP-GD doesn't support animated gifs. So that's the reason I changed to Imagemagick.

 

[Brandon K]

Since there's already a topic on this I'll ask here. Is there a difference between these two image processors besides animated avatars?

I'd like to enable animated avatars, but I want to be sure there's no downsides to using imagemagick over the built-in GD?

 

[AndyB]

I have found that Imagick PECL extension produce higher quality images over GD image library. This is only noticeable in larger image sizes.

 

[Brandon K]

I have found that Imagick PECL extension produce higher quality images over GD image library. This is only noticeable in larger image sizes.

So it’s just win-win if I want animated avatars because it’s better quality images regardless?