: How do I know what image type to use? I'm working on a website which will use images in several different applications, from action buttons to avatars to larger detail images. What factors

@Pierce454

JPG for photos or high color differences
PNG for images with gradual transparency (fade from 1 color to clear)
GIF for images with small color palettes


Obviously give each image a try and see what comes out to the smallest file size. The smaller the size the better. Also don't worry about transparency in IE6 for your PNG's, grandma isn't as concerned how your site looks just that she can see pictures of you on it.

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@Phylliss660

Browser Support. I think it's IE6 or IE7 and older do not support png based images with a transparent background properly. It usually adds some funky background color.

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@Kevin317

File size. The smaller the file size the faster it will download for your users. So go for the smallest file size that doesn't affect your image quality.

(Generally speaking JPGs are used for photographs and PNGs/GIFs are used for icon-like images)

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