Send a little birthday love with a painted cake, a party cat, or a bunch of floating balloons. These 50 happy birthday images are free to save and send to someone you love.
The first 10 cards are animated GIFs. The next 40 are still images. Pick your favorite, press and hold it to save it, then add it to a text. For a GIF, save the image itself so you keep the motion.
How to save and send a birthday image
- Find a card that feels like the birthday person.
- On your phone, press and hold the image. Choose the option to save or download it. On a computer, right-click the image and choose to save it.
- Open your text conversation. Use the photo or attachment button to add the saved card.
- Add a few words of your own and send it.
Button names vary by phone and app. In Google Messages, tap the image icon beside the message box and choose your file. Google's guide to sending photos and GIFs shows the steps.
For GIFs you receive in an iPhone text, Apple says you can press and hold the GIF, then tap Save. See Apple's guide to sending and saving GIFs.
Pick a card that feels like them
For the friend who loves a cute animal, try a party cat or a birthday bear. For someone who loves flowers, choose a painted bloom. Cakes, balloons, and gift boxes bring a little party to any text thread.
You can match their favorite color, too. This set has soft pinks, lilacs, warm yellows, greens, and blues. Each card has its own art and birthday message.
Sending a card across the miles? Add a time for a birthday call. Our guide to keeping a long-distance friendship close has more ways to stay in touch.
A few words to send with your card
- Happy birthday! I'm so glad you're in my life.
- A little birthday love for my favorite person to get coffee with.
- Wish I could hand you a slice of cake today. Sending you a big birthday hug!
- Happy birthday! Saving you a seat for our next movie night.
If you're celebrating together, pair the card with one of these things to do with friends at home. For a campus birthday, browse our ideas for fun with college friends and choose a plan your friend would enjoy.
Birthday image questions
Are these happy birthday images free?
Yes. You can save a card here and send it in a personal birthday message. You don't need to sign up.
Which birthday images are animated?
The first 10 cards are GIFs with moving art. The other 40 are still images.
How do I keep a birthday GIF moving?
Save the GIF file itself, then attach that file to your message. A screenshot saves one still frame. Some phone apps show a still preview before you open or send a GIF.
What should I send to a close friend?
Choose an image with a color or subject they love. Add their name and one thing you're looking forward to doing together.
Why does a birthday image look different after I send it?
Your phone app or carrier may shrink the file. Google notes that MMS compression can affect image quality. If a GIF becomes still, check that you attached the saved GIF file.
