Image Format Conversion Tools

Image format conversion involves more than just changing file extensions. Each format uses different compression algorithms, color spaces, and feature sets that affect quality, file size, and compatibility. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right format for each use case.

Modern formats like WebP and AVIF offer superior compression compared to traditional JPG and PNG. WebP typically reduces file sizes by 25-35% compared to JPG while maintaining similar visual quality. AVIF pushes this further with 50% smaller files than JPG, though browser support is still catching up. For web projects, converting to these modern formats significantly improves loading speeds and user experience.

The choice between lossy and lossless formats depends on your content type. JPG and WebP use lossy compression ideal for photographs where small quality losses are imperceptible. PNG and some WebP modes use lossless compression essential for logos, text, and graphics where every pixel matters. Converting from lossy to lossless cannot recover lost quality, so always keep original high-quality versions of important images.

Transparency support separates formats into two camps. PNG, WebP, and AVIF handle transparency, making them essential for logos, icons, and overlays. JPG does not support transparency, so converting PNG to JPG on a transparent image adds a background color (usually white or black). When you need transparency, stick with PNG, WebP, or AVIF formats.

iPhone HEIC photos present a common conversion challenge. Apple's HEIC format offers excellent compression but limited compatibility outside Apple devices. Converting HEIC to JPG makes photos shareable across all platforms, though you lose some quality in the process. For photos you plan to edit further, convert to PNG to maintain maximum quality.

Legacy format conversions like TIFF and BMP typically aim to reduce file size. TIFF files are huge because they store uncompressed or minimally compressed data, making them ideal for professional photography but impractical for web use. Converting TIFF to JPG can reduce file sizes by 90% or more. Similarly, BMP files contain no compression, so converting to any modern format dramatically reduces storage needs.

Vector to raster conversion like SVG to PNG or JPG is irreversible. SVG files are resolution-independent, but once converted to raster formats, you lose the ability to scale infinitely without quality loss. Convert at the highest resolution you will need, because upscaling raster images later produces blurry results.