Home

GIFs, JPGs & PNGs:
Web Image Compression Comparisons

When it comes to compressing images for use on the Web, the Web designer's dilemma is whether to use GIF, JPG or PNG image files. Generally, the rule of thumb is for flat images or images with very few colors, save images as GIF files. For images with multiple coloration and shadows, save images as JPGs.

Some things to take into consideration when compressing image files include:

• What size will the final file be with the particular image in it?
• Which type image format has the best image clarity? Which delivers the closest proximation to the original image?
• How long does it take for the file to upload?

See the images below to determine how the file formats compare.

Snowman One

GIF	JPG	PNG-8
File size - 37.94K Image size - 75% Dither - 40% Colors - 128 Load time - 8 sec @ 56.6 Kbps	File size - 17.09 Image size - 75% Quality - 50 Load time - 4 sec @ 56.6Kbps	File size - 36.06K Image size - 75% Dither - 100% Colors - 128 Load time - 7 sec @ 56.6 Kbps

Snowman Two

GIF	JPG	PNG-8
File size - 4.444K Image size - 50% Dither - 50% Colors - 32 Load time - 2 sec @ 56.6 Kbps	File size - 14.2K Image size - 50% Quality - 100 Load time - 3 sec @ 56.6Kbps	File size - 5.022K Image size - 50% Dither - 100% Colors - 64 Load time - 2 sec @ 56.6 Kbps

Snowman Three

GIF	JPG	PNG-8
File size - 5.346K Image size - 100% Dither - 50% Colors - 16 Load time - 2 sec @ 56.6 Kbps	File size - 18.75K Image size - 50% Quality - 100 Load time - 4 sec @ 56.6Kbps	File size - 5.258K Image size - 100% Dither - 50% Colors - 16 Load time - 2 sec @ 56.6 Kbps

Top of page

©2011 Paulette M. Willis. All rights reserved.