The 10 most important formats for raster images

This article focuses on raster images (pixel-based graphics). They are the standard for photos and high-detail imagery. The counterpart is vector graphics (e.g., AI, SVG), typically used for logos, illustrations, and scalable artwork.

Below is a practical overview: what each format is good for — and what it is not.

1) JPEG / JPG

The most widely used photo format. Its key strength is flexible compression: you can trade file size for quality.

Best for: photos, web images, social media, sharing
Weak for: logos, text, flat graphics (compression artifacts)
Bonus: strong support for color profiles and metadata (Exif, IPTC-IIM, XMP)

2) TIFF / TIF

TIFF is used when you cannot afford to lose image information. It supports high bit depth and lossless workflows.

Best for: archiving, print production, science/medical imaging, high-end scans
Weak for: web, email, lightweight sharing (files can be huge)

3) PNG

PNG is the standard for lossless web graphics and supports transparency.

Best for: logos, icons, UI assets, screenshots, low-color graphics
Weak for: photos (unnecessarily large files)
Note: metadata handling is often less consistent than JPEG/TIFF in everyday workflows

4) GIF

GIF is technically limited (classic GIF is 256 colors) but remains popular because it supports simple animations.

Best for: short loops, memes, lightweight animations
Weak for: photos, smooth gradients, modern video quality

5) WebP

A modern web format designed to outperform JPEG/PNG/GIF: smaller files, optional lossless mode, transparency, and animation.

Best for: websites, performance optimization, mobile-first delivery
Weak for: environments locked into “classic-only” formats
Bonus: supports Exif and XMP, and can carry color profiles

6) BMP

A Windows legacy format, typically uncompressed, which means very large files.

Best for: niche Windows use cases
Weak for: web and sharing

7) HEIF / HEIC

HEIF is a container; HEIC is common when HEVC compression is used (especially on Apple devices). The goal is better quality at smaller sizes than JPEG.

Best for: smartphone photography, storage efficiency, modern devices
Weak for: compatibility in older tools/systems (depends on the stack)

8) PSD (Photoshop)

PSD is Photoshop’s editing format. It preserves layers, masks, text, effects — basically the full working state.

Best for: professional editing and compositing
Weak for: delivery and sharing with non-designers
Rule of thumb: PSD is not a final output format

9) XCF (GIMP)

XCF is GIMP’s native editing format, similar in purpose to PSD.

Best for: layer-based editing workflows in GIMP
Weak for: exchange without compatible software/plugins

10) DNG (Digital Negative)

An open RAW format created by Adobe. It did not replace proprietary camera RAW formats, but it can be useful for exchange and archiving.

Best for: RAW exchange, RAW archiving, broad tool compatibility
Weak for: workflows that require the original manufacturer RAW format