In the dynamic (and chaotic) world of web design, the choice of image file types can significantly impact the performance and visual appeal of a website. With a range of options available, each with its unique features and benefits, understanding which image format to use is a key decision for designers and developers.
This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the most commonly used image file types in web design, including JPG, PNG, SVG, WEBP, and AVIF, to help you make informed choices for your website.
Prefer switching to video mode? Just click play on the video above for the same in-depth and easy-to-digest analysis of all the information you need to learn about image file types.
Image file types for web design
JPG
JPG, a long-standing favorite in the realm of web design, excels in handling photography and images rich in color and detail. Its design is optimized to display millions of colors, making it the ideal choice for showcasing complex photographs without substantially increasing file size.
This aspect of JPG is particularly beneficial for web designers who need to balance visual quality with website performance. When it comes to portraits, landscapes, or other detailed images, JPG's ability to render a wide color spectrum while keeping file sizes manageable makes it a top choice.
PNG
PNG stands out for its versatility and is particularly effective in two key areas. Firstly, it is optimal for images with a limited color palette (256 colors or less), such as icons or simple illustrations. In these cases, PNG maintains a small file size, contributing to faster website loading times. This makes it an excellent option for graphics that require a minimal amount of colors but still need to be visually appealing and clear.
The second significant advantage of PNG is its support for transparency through an alpha layer. This feature is crucial for images like logos, where a transparent background is necessary for seamless integration into the website's design. The ability to handle transparency was a groundbreaking development when PNG was first introduced and continues to be a critical feature for modern web design.
SVG
SVG, or Scalable Vector Graphics, represents a huge leap forward in web design (We danced of joy when Google Chrome officially supported it in 2008).
Unlike traditional raster images, SVGs can be scaled to any size without any loss in quality. This characteristic is invaluable for elements like logos and icons that must remain sharp and clear at different resolutions. SVGs are remarkably lightweight, which is a significant advantage for web performance.
However, SVGs are not suitable for every type of image. They are specifically designed for vectors, which means they cannot be used for photographs or other images that cannot be converted into vector format. For these reasons, SVGs are ideal for graphics that need to be scalable, such as company logos or stylized icons.
WEBP
WEBP, a newer image format created by Google, is gaining traction in the web design community for its efficient compression and quality retention. This format offers a substantial reduction in file size compared to JPG and PNG, with little to no loss in image quality. WEBP also supports transparent backgrounds, making it a versatile choice for various types of web imagery.
The adoption of WEBP is being driven by its balance of quality and efficiency, which contributes to faster loading times and improved user experiences.
As a modern file format, WEBP represents a significant advancement in image optimization for the web, capable of handling both photographic and graphic imagery effectively, however, it’s important to mention that as of November 2023, it only covered by the 95.75% of the total internet users base (source).
AVIF
AVIF is the newest addition to the array of web image formats, offering even greater compression than WEBP. While not as widely adopted as WEBP, AVIF's advanced compression algorithm allows for smaller file sizes while maintaining or even improving image quality.
AVIF stands out for its ability to compress images more effectively than other formats, potentially leading to significant improvements in website loading speeds and performance. However, its adoption is still in the early stages, and web designers should carefully evaluate its suitability based on their specific project needs and audience — With only 86.3% of the total internet users base being able to use it (source), it is definitely not a format that is ready for production.
Taking all of this information into account, you may be about to ask yourself the big question:
What image file type to use?
When it comes to selecting the appropriate image file type for your web design, it's not just a matter of choosing the most advanced or efficient format. The key is to consider the specific needs and browsing capabilities of your target audience. Browser compatibility plays a critical role in this decision.
For instance, while newer formats like WEBP and AVIF offer improved compression and quality, they might not be supported by all browsers, especially older ones.
Example for website with an user base with older browsers
Consider a website for a bank, which typically has a diverse range of users, including those who might still use older browsers.
In this scenario, relying solely on modern formats like WEBP or AVIF could alienate a portion of the audience who cannot view these image types. For such websites, it's advisable to use more universally compatible formats like JPG for photography and PNG for graphics, ensuring accessibility for all users.
This approach ensures that the website remains functional and visually appealing across various browsers, including older ones.
Example for website with an user base with modern browsers
On the other hand, if you're designing a website for a cutting-edge application, primarily used by tech-savvy individuals with modern browsers, opting for advanced formats like WEBP for photography and graphics makes sense.
In this case, the audience is likely to use the latest browsers that support these formats, allowing you to take full advantage of the improved compression and quality they offer. This choice can lead to faster loading times and a better overall user experience, crucial for a technology-focused audience.
Tools for converting image files from JPG/PNG to WEBP
Convert JPG/PNG to WEBP images on Webflow
For Webflow users, the platform offers a tool to convert all JPG and PNG images in a Webflow project to WEBP. This feature is particularly useful for bulk optimizing images on Webflow-built websites, enhancing their loading speed and performance without compromising on visual quality.
Convert JPG/PNG to WEBP images on WordPress
Similarly, WordPress provides solutions like Imagify, enabling users to convert JPG and PNG files to WEBP. Imagify is just one of the most popular plugins, however, there are tens (or hundreds) of plugins catering to the needs of website designers and developers looking to optimize their site for speed by compressing all site images.
Please just keep in mind that no matter if you are on Webflow or WordPress, it’s extremely important to backup your whole site before running a tool that will convert all your images — Just in case any image gets corrupted and you need to re-upload it.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the choice of image file type in web design should be tailored to the specific needs of your audience and the technical capabilities of their devices.
While new formats like WEBP and AVIF offer exciting possibilities in terms of compression and quality, the universal compatibility of formats like JPG and PNG still holds significant value, especially for websites with a broader, more diverse user base.
Before closing, we don’t want to end without giving you a last (but no less important) tip to keep your website images loading fast:
Selecting the right image type is NOT everything. It's essential to properly size (at 2X, 3X, etc — Depending on your design and development system) and compress all images, regardless of their format (using tools like TinyPNG or similar platforms) to optimize your website's performance.
Even if you have chosen the best format, if your image is still 5000x5000px while it should be 1000x1000px, you will still see a big website speed hit.
And that’s all for now! If you have any questions or need any more assistance with speed optimization for your website (or anything else related to web design and development), we are always available to help you at BRIX Agency — Send a message to our SaaS Design Agency and we will be happy to help you.
