IMAGE FORMAT GUIDE
Choose the right image format
The best format depends on what the image contains, where it will be used and whether you need transparency, small files, animation or lossless quality.
| Format | Best for | Compression | Transparency | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPG / JPEG | Photos, email and broad compatibility | Lossy | No | Small files, but repeated editing reduces quality. |
| PNG | Logos, screenshots, graphics and sharp text | Lossless | Yes | Excellent detail; photo files can be large. |
| WEBP | Web photos and graphics | Lossy or lossless | Yes | Usually smaller than JPG or PNG with modern support. |
| AVIF | Modern web photos where size matters | Lossy or lossless | Yes | Very efficient; encoding can take longer. |
| GIF | Simple animation and legacy web graphics | Lossless, limited palette | Limited | Only 256 colors; Zeepora creates a still-frame output. |
| SVG | Logos, icons and illustrations | Vector | Yes | Scales without blur; not intended for ordinary photos. |
| BMP | Legacy software and uncompressed workflows | Usually uncompressed | Varies | Very broad simplicity, but files are often large. |
| Documents, printing and easy sharing | Container | Not typical | Preserves page presentation rather than acting as a web image. |
Choose by what you need to preserve
Photographs and broad compatibility
Keep JPG when the image is already a photograph that must open almost everywhere. For a website, compare JPG to WEBP and JPG to AVIF at the same dimensions, then keep the result only when the measured size saving is worth any visible change. Conversion cannot restore detail already removed from a compressed source.
Transparency, screenshots and sharp graphics
Use PNG when exact pixels, transparent edges or sharp interface text matter more than the smallest download. For web delivery, test PNG to WEBP or PNG to AVIF, checking transparency and fine detail in the comparison viewer. Convert WEBP to PNG when an editor or upload form specifically requires PNG, but expect that the result can be larger.
Scalable logos and illustrations
Keep SVG as the editable master when artwork must scale without becoming pixelated. Create a fixed raster copy only for software that cannot accept vectors: use SVG to PNG for transparency, SVG to WEBP for a web image, or SVG to JPG when a solid-background JPG is required.
Documents and icons
Use Image to PDF when the result should be submitted, printed or shared as a one-page document. Use Image to ICO for a Windows icon or favicon workflow; start with a simple square image because tiny icon sizes cannot retain fine detail.
A practical decision order
- Check what formats the destination accepts.
- Decide whether transparency, animation or unlimited scaling must remain.
- Keep the original dimensions unless the destination needs fewer pixels.
- Convert one representative image and compare its actual size and detail.
- Keep the original as the editing master; use the converted file for delivery.
For a repeatable way to test quality settings and dimensions, read the image quality and file-size guide. If the image has a transparent background or must work in particular software, use the transparency and compatibility guide.
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