← Back to BlogUnderstanding image formats is the cornerstone of image optimization for the web. JPEG is preferred for photos due to its efficient lossy compression, providing small file sizes with good quality. PNG is best for images with transparency or sharp details, such as logos, offering lossless compression but typically larger files. WebP is a newer format that balances quality and size, offering both lossy and lossless options along with alpha (transparency) support. AVIF, the latest contender, delivers even higher compression efficiency than WebP and JPEG, with excellent visual fidelity. The right format depends on your needs—photos usually perform best as JPEG or WebP, graphics as PNG or WebP/AVIF, and where cutting-edge performance matters, AVIF is ideal. Testing and format-selection should be routine to ensure optimal site load and image clarity.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Image Format for Web (JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF)
Fundamentals
image formatsJPEG vs PNGWebP benefitsAVIFimage qualityfile size