What is the history of image formats?

What is the history of image formats?

Image formats have evolved significantly since the early days of computing. The first widely used format was BMP, introduced in the 1980s. Then came GIF in 1987, which allowed for simple animations. JPEG followed in 1992, providing a way to compress images with minimal loss of quality. PNG was introduced in 1996 as a patent-free alternative to GIF, supporting transparency and better compression.

What are the main differences between JPEG and PNG?

JPEG is best for photographs due to its lossy compression, which reduces file size but can lose some detail. PNG, on the other hand, uses lossless compression, making it ideal for images that require transparency or sharp edges, like logos.

Are there any newer image formats I should know about?

Yes! WebP, developed by Google, offers both lossy and lossless compression and is great for web use. AVIF is another newer format that provides high-quality images at smaller file sizes, making it increasingly popular.

How do I choose the right image format for my project?

Consider the type of image and its use. For web graphics with transparency, use PNG. For photographs, JPEG is often best. If you need high quality with smaller file sizes, look into WebP or AVIF.