Image Formats Explained: JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC

TL;DR: Use WebP for websites (best compression), PNG for transparency and editing, JPG for photos and sharing, SVG for logos and icons. Convert between formats with our free image converters.

With so many image formats available, choosing the right one can be confusing. Each format has specific strengths—using the wrong format can mean huge file sizes, poor quality, or compatibility problems.

This guide explains every major image format, when to use each one, and how to convert between them.

Quick Reference: Image Format Comparison

JPG / JPEG

Full name: Joint Photographic Experts Group

Overview: The most common image format, created in 1992. Uses lossy compression optimized for photographs.

Characteristics:

• Lossy compression (loses some data)
• 24-bit color (16.7 million colors)
• No transparency support
• Universal compatibility
• File sizes: Small to medium

Best for:

• Photographs and natural images
• Email attachments
• Social media
• Print publications
• Any use requiring universal compatibility

Avoid when:

• You need transparency
• Image has text or sharp edges
• You'll edit and re-save multiple times
• Maximum quality is critical

Convert JPG: JPG to PNG | JPG to WebP | JPG to AVIF | JPG to PDF

PNG

Full name: Portable Network Graphics

Overview: Created in 1996 as a patent-free replacement for GIF. Uses lossless compression with full transparency support.

Characteristics:

• Lossless compression (perfect quality)
• 24-bit color + 8-bit alpha channel
• Full transparency support
• Larger file sizes than JPG
• Universal compatibility

Best for:

• Graphics with transparency
• Logos and icons
• Screenshots and text-heavy images
• Images that will be edited
• Graphics with sharp edges

Avoid when:

• File size is critical (use WebP/AVIF instead)
• Photos without transparency (use JPG)
• Animation needed (use GIF or WebP)

Convert PNG: PNG to JPG | PNG to WebP | PNG to AVIF | PNG to ICO

GIF

Full name: Graphics Interchange Format

Overview: Created in 1987, famous for animations. Limited to 256 colors but supports simple animation.

Characteristics:

• Lossless compression
• 8-bit color (256 colors max)
• 1-bit transparency (on/off, no semi-transparency)
• Animation support
• Universal compatibility

Best for:

• Simple animations
• Small icons and buttons
• Images with few colors
• Memes and reactions

Avoid when:

• Image has many colors (quality suffers)
• You need smooth transparency
• File size matters for animations (use WebP)
• Photos (use JPG)

Convert GIF: GIF to PNG | GIF to JPG | GIF to WebP | GIF to ICO

SVG

Full name: Scalable Vector Graphics

Overview: Vector format using XML to describe shapes mathematically. Infinitely scalable without quality loss.

Characteristics:

• Vector-based (not pixels)
• Infinite scalability
• Can be animated and styled with CSS
• Editable with text editors
• Small file sizes for simple graphics

Best for:

• Logos and brand graphics
• Icons and icon systems
• Illustrations and diagrams
• Responsive graphics
• Graphics that need multiple sizes

Avoid when:

• Complex photographs (impossible to represent)
• Images with many colors and gradients
• Need bitmap output directly

Convert SVG: SVG to PNG | SVG to JPG | SVG to WebP | SVG to ICO

WebP

Full name: WebP (created by Google)

Overview: Modern format designed for web. Combines best features of JPG and PNG with better compression.

Characteristics:

• Both lossy and lossless modes
• Full transparency support
• Animation support
• 25-35% smaller than JPG
• 60-75% smaller than PNG
• 95%+ browser support

Best for:

• All website images
• Web applications
• Modern browsers
• When file size matters
• Replacing both JPG and PNG

Avoid when:

• Maximum compatibility needed (some email clients)
• Editing in older software
• Print production workflows

Convert WebP: WebP to PNG | WebP to JPG | WebP to AVIF | WebP to ICO

AVIF

Full name: AV1 Image File Format

Overview: Newest major format (2019), based on AV1 video codec. Best compression available.

Characteristics:

• Both lossy and lossless modes
• Full transparency support
• Animation support
• 20-30% smaller than WebP
• 50%+ smaller than JPG
• ~90% browser support (growing)

Best for:

• Maximum performance websites
• Cutting-edge web applications
• When every kilobyte matters
• Progressive enhancement

Avoid when:

• Need 100% browser coverage (provide fallbacks)
• Older software/systems
• Encoding speed matters (slower than WebP)

Convert AVIF: AVIF to PNG | AVIF to JPG | AVIF to WebP | AVIF to ICO

HEIC / HEIF

Full name: High Efficiency Image Container / Format

Overview: Apple's default iPhone format since iOS 11. Excellent compression but limited compatibility.

Characteristics:

• Lossy compression (high quality)
• 50% smaller than JPG
• Supports depth maps and HDR
• Can contain multiple images
• Limited non-Apple support

Best for:

• iPhone photo storage
• Apple ecosystem
• Space efficiency on iOS devices

Avoid when:

• Sharing with Windows/Android users
• Uploading to websites
• Editing in most software
• Any non-Apple use case

Convert HEIC: HEIC to JPG | HEIC to PNG | HEIC to WebP | HEIC to ICO

BMP

Full name: Bitmap

Overview: Uncompressed format from Windows 3.0 (1990). Creates very large files with no advantages.

Characteristics:

• No compression (huge files)
• Simple format
• Windows-native
• No modern features

Best for:

• Almost nothing in modern use
• Some legacy Windows applications
• When uncompressed data is specifically required

Always convert to: BMP to PNG | BMP to JPG | BMP to WebP

TIFF / TIF

Full name: Tagged Image File Format

Overview: Professional format supporting lossless compression. Common in print and scanning.

Characteristics:

• Lossless compression option
• Supports layers and pages
• High color depth (up to 32-bit)
• Large file sizes
• Professional workflow support

Best for:

• Print production
• Scanning and archiving
• Professional photography
• When maximum quality matters

Avoid when:

• Web use (not supported by browsers)
• Sharing with non-professionals
• File size is a concern

Convert TIFF: TIFF to PNG | TIFF to JPG | TIFF to WebP | TIFF to ICO

ICO

Full name: Icon file format

Overview: Windows icon format, also used for website favicons. Can contain multiple sizes.

Characteristics:

• Can contain multiple image sizes
• Transparency support
• Primarily for icons/favicons
• Limited to icon use cases

Best for:

• Website favicons
• Windows application icons
• Desktop shortcuts

Convert ICO: ICO to PNG | ICO to JPG | ICO to WebP

Create ICO: PNG to ICO | JPG to ICO | Image to ICO

Format Decision Flowchart

Is it for the web?

• Yes → Use WebP (or AVIF with WebP fallback)
• No → Continue below

Does it need transparency?

• Yes → Use PNG (or WebP for web)
• No → Continue below

Is it a photo?

• Yes → Use JPG
• No → Continue below

Is it a logo or icon?

• Yes → Use SVG (vector) or PNG (raster)
• No → Continue below

Does it need animation?

• Yes → Use WebP or GIF
• No → Use PNG or WebP

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: Image file is too large

Solution: Convert to WebP using PNG to WebP or JPG to WebP. WebP is 25-75% smaller than traditional formats.

Problem: Can't open HEIC files

Solution: Convert to JPG using HEIC to JPG for universal compatibility.

Problem: Transparency disappeared

Solution: You converted to JPG which doesn't support transparency. Use PNG, WebP, or AVIF instead.

Problem: Image looks blurry

Solution: You may have compressed too much or used wrong format. For sharp edges and text, use PNG instead of JPG.

Problem: Website images load slowly

Solution: Convert all images to WebP using our converters. WebP loads significantly faster than JPG and PNG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Choosing the right image format impacts file size, quality, and compatibility. For most modern use:

• Websites: Use WebP (best balance of size and quality)
• Transparency: Use PNG or WebP
• Photos for sharing: Use JPG (universal compatibility)
• Logos and icons: Use SVG (scalable) or PNG (raster)
• iPhone photos: Convert HEIC to JPG for sharing

Ready to convert? Use our free image converters to switch between any formats instantly.

Recommended Tools:

• PNG to WebP Converter - Optimize PNG for web
• JPG to WebP Converter - Optimize photos for web
• HEIC to JPG Converter - Convert iPhone photos
• SVG to PNG Converter - Rasterize vectors
• PNG to ICO Converter - Create favicons

Related Articles:

• Best Online Image Converters Guide
• JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Format Is Best?
• WebP Conversion Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• Favicon Guide: How to Create ICO Files