Image Guides — JPG PNG WebP AVIF HEIC JXL Explained and Compared
Learn image formats from JPG vs PNG to WebP vs AVIF and JPEG XL plus what is guides. Choose the right format for photos graphics web and print with clear recommendations.
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Last updated 25 August 2026
Choose formats with confidence
JPG is the universal choice for photos and sharing, but it is not always the best file for every job. WebP and AVIF compress web images far smaller at similar quality, and JPEG XL adds a lossless option that can recompress JPGs smaller with no quality loss. The guides here split into three kinds. What is pages explain each format from scratch, compare guides show tradeoffs side by side with tables, and how to guides walk the exact steps to convert or compress. Together they cover the formats that matter today, from JPG and PNG to WebP, AVIF, HEIC, GIF, SVG, TIFF and JPEG XL.
What is pages for quick learning
What is JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC, TIFF, JPEG XL and ICO each answer how the format works, where it shines, and when to avoid it. Use them when a term is new or when you need to decide between two formats, such as SVG versus PNG for a logo or GIF versus WebP for animation. Each page opens with the short answer and then explains the details, so you can grasp the point in a minute and dig deeper when you need it. The what is WebP and what is AVIF pages are the fastest way to understand the two modern web formats before you decide between them.
Compare pages for decision making
JPG versus PNG, JPG versus WebP, PNG versus WebP, WebP versus AVIF and JXL versus WebP compare lossy against lossless, transparency, file size and browser support. The tables on each page list the key properties so you can pick in seconds, then each compare ends with a firm recommendation and the tools to act on it. If you are deciding for a website, a print job or a social post, the right compare page gives you a clear answer without reading a long article. Start with JPG vs WebP for photos or PNG vs WebP when transparency matters.
How to and best alternative guides
How to convert images, how to compress an image for email and similar tasks show the shortest path to a result with exact steps. The best alternative pages, like best TinyPNG alternative and best Compressor alternative, are direct comparisons that explain why browser-side compression matches server tools without upload limits. These guides pair a written walkthrough with the matching tool on this site, so you can follow the steps and complete the task in the same visit. For the two most common jobs, the how to convert images and how to compress an image for email guides cover the full flow.
Compare then act
Each guide ends with a clear recommendation and links to the matching tool, so you can read the tradeoffs and then convert or compress your image in the same visit. The whole flow runs in your browser, which keeps your files private and removes upload limits. Start with a compare page when you are unsure, or a how to page when you know the task, then act with the suggested tool on the same screen. The image formats explained guide ties the formats together with one overview of what to use where, so it is a good first read before you pick a compare page.
- JPG vs PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?Compare lossy photography in JPG against lossless graphics in PNG, and the file size tradeoff between them. Pick JPG for photos and PNG for anything with text, logos or transparency.Open tool
- JPG vs WebP: Which Format Wins on the Web?Show why WebP compresses photos smaller than JPG and when JPG is still the safer, more compatible choice. The verdict for most sites is WebP for delivery with a JPG fallback.Open tool
- PNG vs WebP: Which Should You Use?Compare lossless PNG against WebP for graphics and transparency, covering both WebP lossless and lossy modes. For most web graphics WebP saves size, while PNG stays the safe default for broad compatibility.Open tool
- WebP vs AVIF: The Modern Web Codec BattleCompare the two leading modern codecs: AVIF compresses photos more, WebP is supported by more software. Serve AVIF where modern browsers dominate, WebP for the safest upgrade from JPG.Open tool
- What Is WebP?Explain WebP from scratch: how it compresses, which modes it offers, where it is supported, and when to choose it. WebP delivers JPG size with PNG transparency in one format.Open tool
- What Is AVIF?Explain AVIF from scratch: the AV1 based codec with the best photo compression today, its support, and when to use it. AVIF cuts file size well below JPG and WebP.Open tool
- Best TinyPNG Alternative: Free, Private, No LimitsA direct TinyPNG comparison using the same smart PNG and JPG compression approach, but unlimited files, no uploads, and no account. Everything runs locally in your browser.Open tool
- Best Compressor.io Alternative: Unlimited and PrivateA compressor.io alternative that lifts the upload cap. Process unlimited files locally with quality presets for every format, with no server and no queue.Open tool
- JXL vs WebP: Which Should You Use?Compare JPEG XL against WebP. JXL wins on compression, lossless JPG recompression and features, WebP wins on browser support and tooling maturity.Open tool
- Image Formats Explained: JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF and MoreThe full format landscape in one place, with a firm pick for photos, graphics, the web, printing and archival.Open tool
- Lossless vs Lossy: What Image Formats Mean by ItA clear rule of thumb: lossless for originals and graphics, lossy for sharing and the web, with the real tradeoff spelled out.Open tool
- Social Media Image Sizes: The 2026 Cheat SheetOne resizing guide for every major platform, with the exact pixel sizes that keep your images crisp in the feed.Open tool
- Photo Print Size Chart: Inches, Pixels and DPIA practical print size chart linking inches to pixels at 300 DPI, plus the resizers and calculators to get there.Open tool
- How to Convert Images to Another FormatThe fastest way to change any image format: pick a source and target, adjust quality, and download the result, all locally.Open tool
- What Is a JPG File?JPG is a lossy photo format that trades a little detail for small files, which is why it became the default for cameras and the web. It is universal but not perfect for every image.Open tool
- What Is a PNG File?PNG is the dependable lossless format for logos, screenshots and anything with transparency, storing every pixel exactly. Its quality never degrades, but files are larger than lossy alternatives.Open tool
- What Is a GIF File?GIF is the classic format for short simple animations, but it limits colors and creates larger files than modern alternatives. It works everywhere, which keeps it relevant.Open tool
- What Is an SVG File?SVG is a vector format that stores shapes instead of pixels, so it stays crisp at any size. It is the standard for logos and icons that must scale.Open tool
- What Is a HEIC File?HEIC is Apple efficient photo format that stores high quality photos at about half the size of JPG, but many devices cannot open it. That makes conversion the usual next step.Open tool
- What Is a TIFF File?TIFF is the archival and print standard that stores scans and images with maximum data, at the cost of very large files. It is for professionals, not the web.Open tool
- What Is JPEG XL (JXL)?JPEG XL is the most capable new format, with top compression and a lossless mode that can recompress JPGs to be 20 to 30 percent smaller and reversible.Open tool
- What Is an ICO File?ICO is the icon format browsers and Windows use, bundling several sizes in one file so an icon stays sharp everywhere it appears.Open tool
- HEIC vs JPG: Which Should You Use?HEIC wins on size and quality, JPG wins on universal compatibility. Use JPG for sharing, HEIC for storage.Open tool
- TIFF vs PNG: Which Should You Use?Both preserve every pixel, but TIFF suits print and archival scans while PNG is smaller, web friendly and supports transparency. The format you need depends on whether the file goes to a printer or a browser.Open tool
- GIF vs WebP: Which Should You Use?WebP animates and compresses better than GIF, with full color and much smaller files, while GIF works everywhere but is limited. The choice is compatibility against size and quality.Open tool
- SVG vs PNG: Which Should You Use?SVG is crisp at any size for logos and icons, while PNG is a lossless raster for screenshots and complex graphics. Pick by whether the image must scale and how detailed it is.Open tool
- JPG vs AVIF: Which Should You Use?AVIF gives the smallest photo files on modern browsers, while JPG remains the universal fallback and sharing format. The practical answer is AVIF with a JPG fallback on the web.Open tool
- PNG vs JPEG XL: Which Should You Use?JPEG XL compresses lossless graphics smaller than PNG and adds modern features, while PNG remains the widely supported standard. Use JXL where support allows and PNG for broad sharing.Open tool
- How to Compress an Image for EmailThe fastest way to shrink a photo for email: convert to JPG, target a small size, and send it fast without an upload.Open tool
- How to Resize an Image for InstagramThe exact recipe for Instagram ready photos: square for the feed, portrait for stories, resized in your browser without an upload.Open tool
- How to Convert HEIC to JPGThe fix for iPhone photos that will not open: convert HEIC to JPG in your browser, keeping the original safe and private.Open tool
- How to Make a FaviconTurn any square image into a ready to deploy favicon set: multi-size ICO plus PNG icons, generated entirely in your browser.Open tool
- How to Circle Crop a PhotoThe fastest way to a circular avatar: crop a photo into a perfect circle with a transparent background, all in your browser.Open tool
- How to Make a Passport Photo at HomeThe exact passport photo recipe: a centered face cropped to 2 x 2 inches at 300 DPI, which is 600 x 600 pixels.Open tool
- How to Watermark PhotosProtect your work with a text or logo watermark placed anywhere, at any opacity, all in your browser without an upload.Open tool
- Best Image Compressor: Free, Private and UnlimitedThe best compressor is one you can trust with your photos: free, unlimited and private, because every file is processed locally on your device.Open tool
- Best HEIC Converter: Free and PrivateThe best HEIC converter decodes iPhone photos locally and turns them into JPG, PNG or WebP without ever uploading them.Open tool
- Best Image Resizer: Free, Private and UnlimitedThe best resizer hits any size you need, from exact pixels to social platform presets, entirely in your browser with no uploads.Open tool
- Best AVIF Converter: Free and PrivateThe best AVIF converter encodes and decodes AVIF locally, giving you the smallest modern web photos without uploading them.Open tool
- Best WebP Converter: Free and PrivateThe best WebP converter creates and opens WebP locally, giving you small web images with broad support and no uploads.Open tool
Frequently asked questions
Which guide should I read first if I keep guessing formats
Start with image formats explained for the full overview, then lossless versus lossy to understand the quality tradeoff, then the specific compare that matches your files, such as JPG versus WebP for photos or PNG versus WebP for graphics with transparency.
Do I need WebP and AVIF or is JPG enough for my site
For web use WebP or AVIF to cut 25 to 50 percent versus JPG at similar quality and load faster. Keep JPG for email and print, serve WebP broadly and AVIF for modern browsers with a JPG fallback if needed.
What is the simplest lossless choice for logos and screenshots
Use PNG when you need reliable support and transparency, which makes it the safe default for logos and screenshots. For the smallest lossless web file use WebP lossless. For vector logos keep SVG, which stays crisp at any size and never loses detail.
How do I decide between WebP and AVIF today
WebP has wider support in older browsers and editing tools, while AVIF compresses a bit smaller for photos. If your visitors use modern browsers, serve AVIF for the smallest files. Otherwise WebP is the safe, compatible upgrade from JPG.
Which guides explain printing and social sizes without guessing
Photo print size chart gives inches to pixels at 300 DPI, so you can size a photo for any frame. Social media image sizes lists exact dimensions for Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest and WhatsApp, so posts stay sharp and uncropped.
Are the how to guides step by step and private
Yes, they show five clear steps to act on this site with local processing, batch support and no uploads. Each step is rendered as HowTo structured data, which helps answer engines surface the exact procedure directly in search results. The how to circle crop guide is a good example of the step by step format.
How current are these guides
Guides display last updated dates and structured dateModified. What is JXL and WebP versus AVIF are reviewed for browser support changes, print size charts reflect current lab standards, and social size pages track platform recommendations as they shift over time. The WebP vs AVIF guide is reviewed as browser support evolves.