🧱 Raster Image Formats (Pixel-based)
These are the most common for photos, screenshots, and web images.
Format |
Typical Extension |
Best For |
Key Traits |
JPEG / JFIF |
.jpg , .jpeg , .jfif
|
Photos, web images |
Lossy compression → small size, slight quality loss |
PNG |
.png |
Web graphics, transparent images |
Lossless compression, supports transparency (alpha channel) |
WEBP |
.webp |
Modern web use |
Smaller than JPEG/PNG, supports transparency and animation; very common on websites today |
HEIC / HEIF |
.heic , .heif
|
iPhone photos |
High efficiency (better quality at smaller size), supports depth and burst data |
AVIF |
.avif |
Next-gen web & photography |
Better compression and quality than WEBP; gaining adoption fast |
GIF |
.gif |
Simple animations, memes |
Limited color palette (256 colors), supports animation |
BMP |
.bmp |
Windows bitmaps (legacy) |
Uncompressed, very large file size |
TIFF / TIF |
.tiff , .tif
|
Printing, scanning, photography |
High-quality, supports layers, lossless, large files |
RAW formats |
.cr2 , .nef , .arw , etc. |
DSLR / Mirrorless cameras |
Unprocessed image data; huge files, best for editing |
🧩 Vector Image Formats (Shape-based)
Used for logos, icons, and scalable designs.
Format |
Extension |
Best For |
Key Traits |
SVG |
.svg |
Web icons, graphics, illustrations |
Scalable (no quality loss), editable with code or design tools |
EPS |
.eps |
Printing, professional graphics |
Legacy vector format for Adobe software |
PDF (vector images) |
.pdf |
Documents and printable graphics |
Can embed text, vector art, and images |
🕹️ Special / Modern Use
Format |
Extension |
Use |
ICO |
.ico |
Windows icons |
WEBM |
.webm |
Animated or video-like web content (also used in short animations) |
PSD |
.psd |
Adobe Photoshop layered images |
EXR |
.exr |
Film / VFX industry (high dynamic range) |
🚀 Most Common on the Web (2025)
-
WEBP → dominant (Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari support it)
-
JPEG → still very widespread
-
PNG → for transparency and UI icons
-
AVIF → fast-growing, especially on modern browsers and phones
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