Graphic File Formats

Web-based graphic file formats differ in compression techniques and quality. The end-result is increased speed. Regardless of how compelling your web content may be, if your visitor does not wait to complete a large web page download, you have lost him or her.

The Web currently supports two types of images file formats: 
JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and GIF (Graphic Interchange Format).

The following table compares and contrasts the basic characteristics of each file format and also includes examples.

• millions of colors
• will compress detailed photographs
• lossy compression, quality-reduced
• can distort solid colors
• adjust compression ratios with graphic design tools
• does not support transparent backgrounds
• does not support animation

• 256 colors maximum
• will not compress detailed graphics well
• loss-less compression, no loss in quality
• handles solid colors very well
• adjust compression by reducing color depth of file
• GIF 89a supports transparent backgrounds
• supports gif animation