How to Choose Image Sizes & Types for Your Website
Image Optimization – Choosing Web Image* Formats
*Generally, all web images should be 72ppi and include the RGB color profile. However, you can also benefit from choosing the right image format per use case. Download our quick reference sheet for image size and use case examples!
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JPEG, JPG
This format is an excellent option for displaying intricate photographs with lots of colors.
In general, JPEG image formats can display the most colors and are well-suited to high compression levels. JPEGs are usually the most SEO-friendly, but PNGs can also be a good alternative. JPEGs do not support transparency. (Lossy compression)
PNG
This format is excellent for transparent images and screenshots or logos, icons, and other images with fewer amounts of color.
PNGs also support lots of colors, though they are more well-suited for images that have fewer color data. Otherwise, a picture of complex color using the PNG format will be heavier than saving the same photo in JPEG format. (Lossless compression)
GIF
GIFs have particular use cases and should only showcase an animated image and not a static one.
Use these images sparingly, as they weigh a lot due to the number of frames and don’t look so great after compression as they only support 256 colors.
SVG
This format works well for creating graphs, diagrams, logos, and icons for the web.
SVGs are an XML-based vector image format for two-dimensional graphics. To maintain security and enable permissions to upload this type of image to your website, WP Engine has a comprehensive SVG guide to reference here.
