Image Formats Explained: JPEG, PNG, WebP, GIF, SVG, and More

Why Format Choice Matters

Different image formats exist because different types of images have different needs. Choosing the wrong format can result in unnecessarily large files, poor quality, missing features like transparency, or compatibility issues. This comprehensive guide covers every major format you need to know.

JPEG (JPG)

Full Name: Joint Photographic Experts Group

Best For: Photographs, complex realistic images, web photos

Key Features:

• Lossy compression with adjustable quality
• Supports 16.7 million colors
• No transparency support
• Excellent for photographs
• Smaller file sizes than PNG

When to Use: Any photograph or image with complex color gradients. The default choice for photo content.

PNG

Full Name: Portable Network Graphics

Best For: Graphics, logos, images needing transparency, screenshots

Key Features:

• Lossless compression
• Supports transparency (alpha channel)
• PNG-8 (256 colors) and PNG-24 (16.7 million colors)
• Larger files than JPEG for photos
• Better for sharp edges and text

When to Use: Logos, icons, graphics with text, images requiring transparency, screenshots.

WebP

Developed By: Google (2010)

Best For: All web images (modern browsers)

Key Features:

• Both lossy and lossless compression
• Supports transparency
• Supports animation
• 25-35% smaller than JPEG/PNG
• Supported by all modern browsers

When to Use: Web images when browser compatibility isn't a concern. Best all-around format for modern web.

GIF

Full Name: Graphics Interchange Format

Best For: Simple animations, graphics with few colors

Key Features:

• Limited to 256 colors
• Supports animation
• Supports transparency (1-bit, no semi-transparency)
• Large file sizes for animations
• Lossless compression

When to Use: Short animations, simple graphics. For most uses, animated WebP or video is better.

SVG

Full Name: Scalable Vector Graphics

Best For: Logos, icons, illustrations, anything that needs to scale

Key Features:

• Vector format - infinitely scalable
• Text-based (XML) format
• Can be styled with CSS
• Tiny file sizes for simple graphics
• Not for photographs

When to Use: Logos, icons, simple illustrations, anything displayed at multiple sizes.

Other Formats

TIFF: High-quality format for print and archival. Large files, limited web support.

BMP: Uncompressed format. Very large files. Rarely used.

HEIC/HEIF: Apple's format. Excellent compression but limited support outside Apple ecosystem.

AVIF: Next-generation format with superior compression. Growing browser support.

Quick Decision Chart

Photograph → JPEG (or WebP)

Graphic with transparency → PNG (or WebP)

Logo/icon → SVG (or PNG)

Animation → WebP (or GIF)

Web image (general) → WebP with JPEG/PNG fallback

Print → TIFF or high-quality JPEG