Learn about different image formats, their advantages, disadvantages, and best uses
Image file formats are standardized methods for organizing and storing digital images. The choice of image format affects quality, file size, transparency support, and compatibility with various applications and platforms.
Different image formats serve different purposes - some prioritize compression and small file sizes, others focus on quality, while others offer features like transparency or animation. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each format helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
| Feature | JPG/JPEG | PNG | GIF | WebP | TIFF | SVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Lossless | Lossy & Lossless | Lossy & Lossless | Vector (text-based) |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes (1-bit) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No* | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Color Depth | 24-bit | Up to 48-bit | 8-bit (256 colors) | Up to 32-bit | Up to 48-bit | Unlimited |
| File Size | ||||||
| Web Compatibility |
* PNG technically doesn't support animation, but APNG (Animated PNG) is a related format that does
Use JPG for photographs and realistic images where minor loss in quality is acceptable in exchange for smaller file size. Use PNG for graphics, screenshots, logos, and images that require transparency or contain text/sharp edges.
WebP offers better compression than JPG and PNG while maintaining similar quality, making it ideal for web images. However, check browser compatibility as some older browsers don't support it.
For longer animations, consider using MP4 or WebM video formats instead of GIF. They offer significantly better quality at much smaller file sizes.
For logos, icons, and illustrations that need to be displayed at various sizes, consider using vector formats like SVG instead of raster formats (JPG, PNG, etc.). Vector images remain crisp at any scale.