Top 9 Image File Types to Use in 2021

With the advent of the digital era, visual experience has become an integral part of the user experience in websites, media, small businesses, etc. However, many are still unaware of the different types of image file formats and their uses and that they can be quickly retrieved and customized using software like the online tool – Convert.io.

Selecting the correct format is crucial for your brand. In this article, we’ll go through the image file types commonly supported by online browsers and give insights to assist you in choosing the best file types to employ for your site’s images.

✅ 1. JPEG (JPG) — Joint Photographic Experts Group

A JPEG format is one of the most commonly used image file types and has applications in cameras as the default output, websites, and emails. JPEG file format is popular because it offers a smaller file size and easy storage, ensuring that the websites load faster.

The JPEG format pictures feature a sliding scale of compression that significantly reduces file size but increases pixelation. Avoid using this format when you require a layered image.

JPEGs are a flat picture format, which means that all modifications are stored to a single image layer, and unlike a raw image, the changes cannot be reversed.

✅ 2. PNG — Portable Network Graphics

A PNG format can hold larger image files with high resolutions. The completed file is built step-by-step by following particular specifications. This image format is referred to as a ’raster image.’ A PNG file is a lossless compression file, meaning that even after the image has been resized, the image’s original quality is maintained.

If you have restrictions on your hard drive space and want to maintain the image quality, opt for the PNG file format. If you use it for your brand’s logo, the quality of the image will remain unchanged on all sizes of advertisements.

✅ 3. WebP — Web Picture

WebP has been specifically designed to provide lossy and lossless image compression on the web. Mainly used by web developers, this file format can hold smaller file sizes with good quality.

Web browsers like Google, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and several other software libraries support the format. WebP’s lossy compression in the file is done via predictive coding, whereas the lossless compression via the build-up of new pixels by using the current image remains.

✅ 4. SVG — Scalable Vector Graphics

SVG, short for Scalable Vector Graphics, is an XML-based format primarily employed for 2D images. Its web-friendly attributes, including indexing, resizing, compression, and visibility in Google searches, contribute to its widespread usage in web graphics and animations. Incorporating free SVG images into your projects can enhance accessibility and ease of use.

Due to its vector nature, SVG images can be scaled infinitely without sacrificing quality, making them perfect for various web design elements like icons, logos, and computer-generated graphs or diagrams. However, it’s advisable to refrain from utilizing SVG for print materials or intricate imagery due to potential compatibility issues.

✅ 5. GIF — Graphics Interchange Format

GIF is one of the most popular image file types you may have encountered on the internet. One aspect that makes the format stand apart is the constant repetition of a small displayed action.

Due to this feature, the image format is widely used in animated graphics, such as social media memes, email image files, messages on messaging platforms and apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., and banner ads.

Though a GIF is lossless, the format may be exported in a variety of highly configurable settings. This decreases the number of colors and picture information, resulting in a smaller image file size. Avoid using a GIF for print workflows, layered images, and high-quality pictures.

✅ 6. BMP — Bitmap

The BMP is a raster image file format capable of storing bitmap digital images, including 2-D images. No display service is needed to store this type and was initially used on Microsoft Windows, OS/2, and other operating systems.

The BMP format is now recognized by Mac applications too. The subject files are big because color data is stored within every given pixel sans compression. Consequently, the BMP format produces a high-quality digital file suitable for print but not for the web.

✅ 7. TIFF — Tagged Image File Format

TIFFs are larger files with applications in the photography and publishing businesses. It is also available in some cameras for those wanting higher-quality images.

TIFF files are often uncompressed, allowing for significant post-processing. Since they are uncompressed, TIFFs can cover considerable space on your memory card and computer. A TIFF file can be customized to great depths and be printed at the highest quality. This, however, leads to extended image file transfer and loading timeframes.

✅ 8. HEIF — High-Efficiency Image File Format

The HEIF format came into existence in competition with the JPEG format. As a result, it has found applications in smartphones and devices that require storing a higher quality image file.

Its compression is double that of a JPEF format, resulting in images that are twice better in quality while remaining similar sizes. However, if you try to scale the image, it will lose quality since it is a raster file format with pixel mapping.

✅ 9. EPS — Encapsulated Postscript

The EPS image file format supports both raster and vector image data. An EPS format generally has one design feature that may be utilized in a more extensive design. It is used to create print-media graphics with high resolution.

You can use the image file format for vector logos for brands because the resolution will remain intact regardless of the size. Avoid using the EPS file format for art, photography-like images, and displaying the web image. Services like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator support this type.

Using the correct image file format can enhance the loading time and reduce bandwidth and server burdens. Knowing the most common image file types, go ahead and select the one best suitable for you!