Image File Formats

Choose the right format for your use case

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Table of contents

• Supported Formats
• Format Characteristics
  • PNG
  • JPG
  • WebP
• Automatic WebP Optimization
• Best Practices
  • Format Selection
• Browser Support
• Need help?

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Supported Formats

The API supports three image formats:

• PNG (default)
• JPG
• WebP

To specify a format, add the appropriate file extension to your image URL:

Format Characteristics

PNG

• Lossless compression
• Supports transparency
• Larger file size
• Best for:
  • Screenshots
  • Images with text
  • Graphics with sharp edges
  • Content requiring transparency

JPG

• Lossy compression
• No transparency support
• Smaller file size
• Best for:
  • Photographs
  • Complex images
  • When transparency isn’t needed
  • When smaller file size is priority

WebP

• Modern format
• Supports transparency
• Superior compression
• Best for:
  • Web applications
  • Progressive loading
  • Optimal performance
  • Modern browsers

Automatic WebP Optimization

All paid accounts receive automatic WebP optimization:

1. Our edge servers detect the user’s browser capabilities
2. If WebP is supported, images are automatically served in WebP format
3. Fallback formats are served for non-supporting browsers

Benefits:

• Improved page load times
• Better SEO scores
• Reduced bandwidth usage
• No code changes required

Best Practices

Format Selection

1. Default to PNG for:
   • Screenshots
   • Text-heavy images
   • When quality is critical
2. Use JPG for:
   • Photos
   • Complex images
   • When file size is priority
3. Enable WebP for:
   • Modern web applications
   • Performance optimization
   • Progressive enhancement

Browser Support

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Need help?

Talk to a human. Please email us support@htmlcsstoimage.com with any questions and we’ll gladly help you get started.

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