Overview

Choosing the right image format is crucial for balancing file size and image quality across different use cases. Whether you’re a photographer managing RAW files, a web developer optimizing page load times, or a designer preparing files for print, understanding image formats will help you make informed decisions.

mindmap
  root((Image Formats))
    Lossy Compression
      JPEG
      WebP
      AVIF
      HEIF/HEIC
    Lossless Compression
      PNG
      TIFF
      WebP Lossless
      AVIF Lossless
    RAW Formats
      NEF/NRW
      CR2/CR3
      ARW
      DNG
    Animated Formats
      GIF
      APNG
      WebP Animated
      AVIF Animated

Understanding Image Compression

Before diving into specific formats, it’s essential to understand the two fundamental types of compression:

Static Image Formats

RAW Formats (Camera-Specific)

RAW files contain unprocessed sensor data directly from your camera. They are not true images but rather data files that require processing.

Advantages:

• Maximum dynamic range and color depth (12-16 bit)
• Non-destructive editing flexibility
• No in-camera processing applied

Disadvantages:

• Requires specialized software to view/edit
• Large storage requirements
• Not directly shareable

JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)

The most widely used image format, JPEG uses lossy compression with adjustable quality levels.

Quality vs. File Size:

PNG (.png)

PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency, making it ideal for graphics and web assets.

PNG-8 vs PNG-24:

TIFF (.tif, .tiff)

TIFF is a professional-grade format offering maximum quality and flexibility for print production.

Key Features:

• Supports multiple layers
• Supports CMYK color mode for print
• Industry standard for high-quality print work
• Can store multiple images in one file

WebP

Developed by Google, WebP offers superior compression for both lossy and lossless images.

AVIF

AVIF is the newest image format, offering even better compression than WebP.

Advantages over WebP:

• Better compression efficiency
• HDR and wide color gamut support
• Better handling of gradients (less banding)

HEIF/HEIC

HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) is Apple’s preferred format for iOS devices.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

Unlike the raster formats above, SVG is a vector format that describes images using mathematical equations rather than pixels.

Advantages:

• Infinitely scalable without quality loss
• Can be styled with CSS
• Searchable and accessible (text-based)
• Typically smaller than PNG for simple graphics

Limitations:

• Not suitable for photographs or complex images
• Requires vector source files to create
• Can become large for highly detailed illustrations

Animated Image Formats

GIF (.gif)

The original animated image format, GIF remains popular despite significant limitations.

Best Use Cases:

• Simple animations with limited colors
• Memes and short clips
• UI animations with flat colors

Limitations:

• Poor color reproduction for photographs
• Large file sizes for complex scenes
• No audio support

APNG (Animated PNG)

APNG extends PNG to support animation while maintaining full color depth and transparency.

Advantages over GIF:

• Full color palette (no 256 color limit)
• Smooth alpha transparency
• Better quality for complex images

When to Use APNG:

• Animated logos with transparency
• UI elements requiring smooth edges
• Animations where color accuracy matters

Animated WebP

WebP animation combines the benefits of WebP compression with animation support.

Animated AVIF

The most efficient animated format currently available.

File Size Comparison (typical short animation):

Format Comparison Summary

Static Images

Animated Images

Choosing the Right Format

For Photography Workflows

flowchart LR
    A["📷 Capture
(RAW)"] --> B["🖥️ Edit
(RAW/TIFF)"] --> C{"Export"}
    C --> D["🌐 Web
JPEG/WebP"]
    C --> E["🖨️ Print
TIFF"]

For Web Publishing

flowchart LR
    A[Image Type?] --> B{Photograph?}
    B -->|Yes| C{Priority?}
    B -->|No| D{Has Transparency?}
    C -->|Quality| E[WebP or AVIF]
    C -->|Compatibility| F[JPEG 80-90%]
    D -->|Yes| G[PNG or WebP]
    D -->|No| H{Animation?}
    H -->|Yes| I[WebP Animated]
    H -->|No| J[SVG or PNG-8]

For Print Production

PDF as a Print Delivery Format

While not an image format itself, PDF (Portable Document Format) is the industry-standard container for delivering print-ready files. Understanding how PDF handles embedded images is crucial for professional print workflows.

How PDF Embeds Images:

• PDF files can contain images in various formats (JPEG, TIFF, PNG)
• Images are embedded at the resolution they were inserted — no automatic upscaling
• Vector graphics (text, shapes, logos) remain resolution-independent
• Raster images maintain their original quality settings

PDF/X Standards for Print:

When to Use PDF vs Native Formats:

• Use PDF for multi-page documents, mixed content (text + images), and final delivery to printers
• Use TIFF when submitting individual high-resolution images to publishers or stock agencies
• Use PSD/AI when the printer needs to make adjustments to your design

Practical Recommendations

Quick Decision Guide

Storage and Archival Tips

1. Keep original RAW files - Storage is cheap; re-shooting is expensive
2. Use DNG for long-term archival - Open standard with wide support
3. Create JPEG previews - For quick browsing without loading large files
4. Organize by date and project - Maintain consistent folder structure
5. Backup in multiple locations - Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule

Conclusion

Choosing the right image format requires balancing quality, file size, and compatibility based on your specific use case:

• Photography: Shoot RAW, edit losslessly, export appropriately
• Web: Embrace modern formats (WebP, AVIF) with fallbacks
• Print: Stick with TIFF and proper color management
• Animation: Move away from GIF toward WebP/AVIF for better efficiency

As browser support continues to improve, formats like AVIF will become the new standard for web images. However, understanding the full spectrum of options ensures you can make the best choice for any situation.

References

• Google Developers - WebP
• AVIF - The Next-Generation Image Format
• Mozilla Developer Network - Image file type and format guide
• Cambridge in Colour - Image File Formats