Different types of image formats
We often see different types of image formats, like PNG and JPG, but what do they actually mean, what do they do, and how do they differ from each other?
Gif
*Graphics Interchange Format
Gif
*Graphics Interchange Format
Gif
*Graphics Interchange Format
Mainly used for simple animations or small graphics. It supports only 256 colors, but its ability to animate makes it perfect for fun, moving images like memes, reaction clips, and short looping visuals.
Best used when you need something eye-catching and lightweight rather than high quality.
JPG/JPEG
*Joint Photographic Experts Group
Best for photographs and colorful images. It compresses files to make them smaller, which is great for websites and faster loading times, but some quality is lost during compression.
JPG is ideal for sharing photos online, social media posts, and web pages where smaller file sizes matter more than perfect image detail.
SVG
*Scalable Vector Graphics
A vector-based format that can be resized infinitely without losing quality. Perfect for logos, icons, and graphics on websites where clarity at any size is important. Since SVGs are made of code rather than pixels, they load quickly and look sharp on any screen. They’re best used for clean, scalable designs rather than detailed photos.
PNG ​
*Portable Network Graphics,8/24-bit
Ideal for images that need transparency or fine details. The 8-bit version is great for simpler graphics with fewer colors, while 24-bit handles full-color photos and high-quality images without losing detail.
Other types of image formats
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WEBP – Developed by Google; smaller file size than JPG or PNG but keeps high quality. Great for websites.
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AVIF – Newer format; even better compression and quality than WEBP. Supported by modern browsers.
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TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) – Used in photography and printing for high-quality, uncompressed images.
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BMP (Bitmap) – Old Windows format; large file sizes, rarely used today.
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HEIF / HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) – Used by iPhones; great quality with small file size.
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RAW – Used by professional cameras; stores unprocessed image data for editing.
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ICO – Used for icons and favicons in apps and websites.
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PSD – Adobe Photoshop’s editable format; keeps layers and effects for design work.