Learn about HEIC, JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF and other formats

Digital images can be saved in many different formats, each designed for a particular balance of quality, file size and features. Choosing the right format means understanding how these formats compress data and what capabilities they offer.

What is HEIC?

High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) is based on the HEIF specification and uses the HEVC codec to store images more efficiently than older formats. A single HEIC file can contain multiple photos, support transparency and store 10‑bit colour depth, all while producing smaller file sizes. Apple adopted HEIC as the default photo format in iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra because it preserves image quality while reducing storage requirements.

JPEG, PNG, WebP and AVIF

JPEG is the workhorse of digital photography. It uses lossy compression to reduce file size and is supported virtually everywhere, making it ideal for sharing photos online. However, JPEG does not support transparency and is not as efficient for images containing sharp edges or text.

PNG uses lossless compression, meaning no data is lost when saving the image. This makes it the preferred choice for images that require precise reproduction or transparency, such as logos and diagrams. The trade‑off is that PNG files are typically larger than their JPEG counterparts.

WebP is a modern format developed by Google. It offers better compression than JPEG or PNG while supporting higher colour depths and animation. WebP can reduce file sizes significantly, but browser support is still growing, so you may need to provide fallback images for older browsers.

AVIF is a newer format based on the AV1 video codec. It provides even better compression than WebP and supports high colour depth, animated frames and transparency. Because AVIF is still maturing, you should supply fallback formats until support becomes universal.

Choosing the right format

No single format is best for every situation. Use JPEG for everyday photographs where compatibility is crucial and file size should be modest. Choose PNG when you need lossless images or transparency, such as for logos and screenshots. HEIC is ideal for capturing and storing photos on Apple devices thanks to its efficiency. WebP and AVIF shine on modern websites where minimising bandwidth is important, but be prepared to include JPEG or PNG fallbacks for older browsers.

Key takeaways

• HEIC efficiency: HEIC compresses images using the HEVC codec and supports transparency, multiple images and high colour depth.
• JPEG ubiquity: JPEG offers lossy compression and is widely supported, making it suitable for most photos.
• PNG precision: PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency but results in larger files.
• WebP balance: WebP provides better compression and higher colour depth than JPEG or PNG but may not be supported everywhere.
• AVIF advantage: AVIF offers the best compression and advanced features like high colour depth and animation, though support is still limited.

Picking the right image format comes down to your priorities: compatibility, quality, file size or feature set. Whatever you choose, our image tools can help you convert between formats quickly.