Format comparisons
Clear, side-by-side comparisons to help you pick the right image and audio format.
- WebP vs AVIF: which image format should you use? WebP and AVIF are both modern image formats built to load faster than JPEG and PNG. AVIF usually wins on file size and quality, while WebP wins on compatibility and encoding speed. Here is how they compare in practice.
- PNG vs JPG: when to use each image format PNG and JPG solve different problems. PNG is lossless and supports transparency, ideal for graphics and screenshots. JPG uses lossy compression that makes photographs much smaller. Picking the right one keeps images sharp and light.
- JPG vs WebP: should you switch your photos to WebP? JPG is the classic photo format that opens everywhere. WebP is a newer format that produces noticeably smaller files at similar quality. For websites, the switch can cut page weight significantly.
- MP3 vs WAV: compressed or lossless audio? MP3 and WAV represent two ends of the audio spectrum. WAV stores uncompressed, lossless sound; MP3 compresses it into a much smaller file. The right choice depends on whether you are editing or sharing.
- PNG vs WebP: which format is better for the web? PNG keeps every pixel losslessly and supports transparency, but files are heavy. WebP delivers similar quality at a fraction of the size and is supported by all modern browsers.
- AVIF vs JPG: modern compression or classic photos? JPG is the default photo format everywhere. AVIF uses the AV1 codec to shrink images further while keeping excellent quality, but support is newer.
- GIF vs WebP: animated images on the web GIF is the classic animated format with a 256-color limit. WebP supports animation with full color and usually produces much smaller files.
- HEIC vs JPG: iPhone photos and compatibility HEIC (HEIF) is Apple's efficient default for iPhone photos. JPG opens on virtually every device, which is why sharing often requires conversion.
- PDF vs JPG: documents or page images? PDF preserves layout, text and multiple pages in one file. JPG turns each page into a flat photo-style image that is easy to embed but not selectable text.
- BMP vs PNG: uncompressed bitmap or lossless PNG? BMP stores raw pixels with little or no compression, so files balloon. PNG compresses losslessly and supports transparency while staying sharp.
- WebP vs PNG: modern web or lossless master? Both support transparency. PNG is the lossless reference format every editor opens. WebP typically produces smaller files for the same visual result on the web.
- MP4 vs WebM: video for web and sharing MP4 (H.264) plays everywhere including phones and editors. WebM (VP9/AV1) is tuned for the web and can be smaller at similar quality in supported browsers.
- SVG vs PNG: vector source or raster export? SVG stores shapes as math—infinitely scalable for logos and icons. PNG rasterizes to fixed pixels, which every app opens but cannot scale up cleanly. Converting SVG to PNG is the bridge when a platform rejects vectors.
- JXL vs WebP: next-gen compression or safe web default? WebP is the proven modern web format with excellent browser support. JXL (JPEG XL) pushes compression further and can losslessly recompress JPEGs, but playback support is still catching up.
- FLAC vs MP3: archival quality or easy sharing? FLAC keeps every sample losslessly—perfect for archives and audiophile listening. MP3 throws away data for tiny files that play on any phone or car stereo.
- JPG vs AVIF: классические фото или сжатие нового поколения? JPG — стандарт везде. AVIF сильнее уменьшает фото кодеком AV1 при отличном качестве.
- PNG vs AVIF: мастер без потерь или лёгкий веб-актив? PNG сохраняет каждый пиксель и прозрачность. AVIF даёт похожее качество при гораздо меньшем размере.
- HEIC vs PNG: хранение iPhone или обмен без потерь? HEIC — эффективный стандарт Apple. PNG без потерь и редактируется везде — отличный мастер после снимка с iPhone.
- M4A vs MP3: AAC от Apple или универсальный MP3? M4A обычно хранит AAC — типично для iTunes и подкастов. MP3 играет почти на любом устройстве и в формах загрузки.
- OGG vs MP3: открытый Vorbis или классический MP3? OGG (Vorbis) — открытый формат в играх и Linux. MP3 остаётся самым совместимым для обмена.
- WAV vs FLAC: несжатый PCM или сжатие без потерь? Оба без потерь. WAV хранит сырой PCM; FLAC сжимает без потери ни одного сэмпла.
- PDF vs PNG: многостраничный документ или чёткая страница? PDF держит текст и страницы вместе. PNG экспортирует страницу как растр без потерь — для превью и слайдов.
- GIF vs PNG: анимация с палитрой или статичное полноцветное изображение GIF анимирует, но ограничен 256 цветами. PNG без потерь, полный цвет и идеален для прозрачного UI.