File Format - References at GIF.org

File Format

You may need information for a specific type of image file. We have gathered the most popular references for each of the GIF, JPEG, and PNG specific files, to make a quick reference archive. Technical specs are included.

There is no limit in the Web specifications to the graphical formats that can be used on the Web. You just need a MIME type so that the format is labelled correctly for transfer across the Web, and so that a suitable viewer (if one exists) can be located at the other end.

In practice, certain formats are more widely understood than others; certain formats are more suited to one type of graphical data than another; so you should make an informed choice about what format to use.

General File Format References

W3.org Web Graphics Graphics on the Web
Wotsit's Format Search General File Formats and Search
The Graphics File Formats Page These pages contain specifications for various graphics file formats; along with a number of relevant graphics utilities, information, and URLs.

Additional resources

Some additional resources that are quick to read, and easy to understand.

GIF - JPEG - PNG : What's the difference? A quick & helpful guide to explain.
Squeeze Web Graphics Get the most while living within browser limitations.
Stir-Fried Graphics Slicing graphics can improve resolution and performance.

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File Format - References at GIF.org

File Format

General File Format References

Additional resources

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