How Many Image Formats Are There?

There are dozens of different image formats, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. The most common image formats are:

JPEG
PNG
GIF
TIFF
BMP
HEIC
WebP

Raster vs. Vector Images

One of the first things you need to consider when choosing an image format is whether you need a raster or a vector image. Raster images are made up of a grid of pixels, while vector images are made up of mathematical equations that define shapes.

Raster images are typically smaller in file size than vector images, but they can also be lower in quality. Vector images can be scaled up or down without losing quality, but they can be larger in file size than raster images.

Lossless vs. Lossy Compression

Another important factor to consider when choosing an image format is whether you want lossless or lossy compression. Lossless compression does not remove any data from the image, so the quality of the image is not affected. However, lossless compression can result in larger file sizes.

Lossy compression removes some data from the image, which can reduce the file size. However, lossy compression can also reduce the quality of the image.

Choosing the Right Image Format

The best image format for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need a high-quality image that can be scaled up or down without losing quality, then a vector image is a good choice. If you need a smaller file size, then a raster image is a good choice.

Here is a table that summarizes the different image formats and their pros and cons:

Format	Type	Compression	File Size	Image Quality
JPEG	Raster	Lossy	Small	Good
PNG	Raster	Lossless	Large	Excellent
GIF	Raster	Lossless	Small	Good
TIFF	Raster	Lossless	Large	Excellent
BMP	Raster	Lossless	Large	Excellent
HEIC	Raster	Lossy	Small	Good
WebP	Raster	Lossy	Small	Good