There are dozens of image file formats, each designed for different purposes. Using the wrong one leads to blurry graphics, massive files, broken transparency, or images that simply won't display. This guide covers every common image format, when to use each one, and how to convert between them.
All Image Formats at a Glance
| Format | Best For | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG (.jpg) | Photos, web images | Lossy | Small |
| PNG (.png) | Graphics, logos, screenshots | Lossless | Medium-Large |
| WebP (.webp) | Web delivery | Both | Smallest |
| SVG (.svg) | Logos, icons, illustrations | Vector | Very Small |
| HEIC (.heic) | iPhone photos | Lossy/Lossless | Small |
| GIF (.gif) | Simple animations | Lossless | Large |
| ICO (.ico) | Favicons, app icons | Lossless | Small |
| TIFF (.tiff) | Print, archiving | Lossless | Very Large |
JPEG: Photos
Compression: Lossy | Transparency: No | File Size: Small
Best compression for photos. 10:1 ratio with minimal quality loss. Universal support.
PNG: Graphics
Compression: Lossless | Transparency: Yes | File Size: Medium-Large
Perfect quality preservation. Alpha channel transparency. Larger than JPEG for photos.
WebP: Web delivery
Compression: Both | Transparency: Yes | File Size: Smallest
25-35% smaller than JPEG. Supports animation and transparency. 97% browser support.
SVG: Logos
Compression: Vector | Transparency: Yes | File Size: Very Small
Infinitely scalable. Text-based format. Perfect for responsive web design.
Quick Decision: What Format Should I Use?
- 📸 Photo for website? → WebP with JPEG fallback
- 🎨 Logo or icon? → SVG (web) or PNG (universal)
- 🖼️ Screenshot? → PNG
- 📱 iPhone photo to share? → Convert HEIC to JPG first
- 🖨️ Printing? → TIFF or high-quality PNG
- 🌐 Web performance priority? → WebP
- 🔗 Favicon? → ICO
How to Convert Between Formats
Need to switch formats? Here's where to go:
- Any format → any format: Image Converter (PNG, JPEG, WebP, ICO)
- HEIC → JPG: HEIC to JPG Converter
- WebP → PNG: WebP to PNG Converter
- SVG → PNG: SVG to PNG Converter