Joint Photographic Experts Group (jpg)
Wikipedia
The most widely used image format for photographs and complex images with many colors. Uses lossy compression to achieve small file sizes.
MIME Type:
image/jpeg
Advantages:
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Small file size
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Universal compatibility
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Good for photographs
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Supported by all browsers and devices
Disadvantages:
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Lossy compression
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Not suitable for images with text
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No transparency support
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Quality loss with multiple edits
Portable Network Graphics (png)
Wikipedia
A lossless format that supports transparency. Ideal for images with text, lines, and sharp edges, as well as images that require transparency.
MIME Type:
image/png
Advantages:
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Lossless compression
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Transparency support
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Great for screenshots and graphics
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No quality loss with edits
Disadvantages:
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Larger file sizes than JPEG
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Not ideal for photographs
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Can be slower to load on web
WebP Image Format (webp)
Wikipedia
Modern image format developed by Google that provides both lossy and lossless compression. Offers smaller file sizes than JPEG and PNG while maintaining quality.
MIME Type:
image/webp
Advantages:
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Smaller file sizes
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Supports transparency
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Both lossy and lossless compression
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Good for web use
Disadvantages:
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Limited support in older browsers
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Less widespread adoption
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Limited editing software support
Tagged Image File Format (tiff)
Wikipedia
A flexible format used primarily in professional photography and publishing. Supports both lossy and lossless compression, and multiple images in one file.
MIME Type:
image/tiff
Advantages:
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High quality
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Support for layers
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Industry standard for print
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Multiple compression options
Disadvantages:
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Very large file sizes
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Limited web support
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Not suitable for web use
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Complex format
Camera Raw Format (raw)
Wikipedia
Unprocessed image data directly from a digital camera's sensor. Provides maximum editing flexibility and quality.
MIME Type:
image/x-raw
Advantages:
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Maximum image quality
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Greater editing flexibility
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No quality loss
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Better dynamic range
Disadvantages:
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Very large file sizes
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Requires special software
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Not directly viewable
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Different format for each camera brand
Scalable Vector Graphics (svg)
Wikipedia
Vector graphics format that scales without quality loss. Perfect for logos, icons, and illustrations.
MIME Type:
image/svg+xml
Advantages:
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Infinitely scalable
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Small file size for simple images
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Perfect for logos and icons
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Editable in text editors
Disadvantages:
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Not suitable for photographs
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Can be complex for detailed images
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Requires rendering processing
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Limited support in older software