Image format guide
Every file extension has its own compression method and feature set. Compare each format's strengths, typical uses and browser support.
JPG (JPEG) Format Explained — The Standard for Photo Compression
JPG (JPEG) explained: the 1992 ITU-T T.81 standard, DCT lossy compression, why no transparency, progressive JPEG, file structure and quality tips.
PNGPNG Format Explained — Lossless Compression and Transparency
PNG explained: born from the GIF patent issue, W3C 1996 to the 2025 Third Edition (HDR, APNG, EXIF), lossless compression, chunks and transparency.
WebPWebP Format Explained — Lossy, Lossless, Transparency and Animation in One
WebP explained: Google's 2010 format, VP8 lossy and lossless modes, RFC 9649 (2024), size vs. JPG and PNG, and 2026 browser and Android support.
AVIFAVIF Format Explained — The Next-Gen Image Format Based on AV1
AVIF explained: AOMedia's 2019 format, AV1 in a HEIF container, 10/12-bit HDR, transparency, royalty-free, 2026 browser support and slow encoding.
HEIC / HEIFHEIC (HEIF) Format Explained — The Default iPhone Photo Format
HEIC explained: HEVC in a HEIF container (ISO/IEC 23008-12), file structure, iPhone use, 2026 browser and Windows support, and what JPG conversion loses.
GIFGIF Format Explained — 256-Color Palettes and Animated Images
GIF explained: CompuServe's 1987 format, 87a and 89a, 256-color palettes, LZW, one-color transparency, animation, and when to use WebP or video.
BMPBMP Format Explained — Structure and Uses of Windows Bitmap Files
BMP explained: the Windows bitmap file header, info header, color table and pixel array, why files are huge, bottom-up rows, padding and uses today.
ICOICO Format Explained — Windows Icons and Favicons
ICO explained: many image sizes in one file, header structure, Windows sizes (16, 32, 48, 256px), PNG icons, favicons and PNG-to-ICO tips.