JPEG, PNG and GIF – What Image format should I use?
There are many different ways of saving images to be used online
To determine which is the best for your website, have a look at the details below and decide for yourself.
JPEG Image File
Good for:
- Photographs
- Game screenshots
- Movie stills
- Desktop backgrounds
Bad for:
- Windows application screenshots
- Line art and text
- Comic strips
- Anywhere where fine lines or sharp color contrast is needed
PNG Image File
Good for:
- Text, line art, comic-style drawings, general web graphics
- Windows application screenshots
- When accurate reproduction (lossless) is required (24 bit PNG)
- When alpha channel support is required
- As a general replacement for anything that is a non-animated GIF
Bad for:
- Photos, in-game screenshots (only when quality is not important and you're looking for small files)
- Disappointing browser support for 32 bit PNGs from Microsoft and others
GIF Image File
Good for:
- Where animations are required
- Widespread browser support
- When alpha channel support is required
Bad for:
- Large file sizes compared to PNG for the same quality
- Often limited to 256 colors (8 bit)
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