Graphics and UI elements
Logos, icons, and text-heavy graphics look best in PNG or WebP lossless. Avoid JPG for these assets because it blurs edges and creates artifacts around sharp lines.
| Asset type |
Best format |
Why |
| Photos |
WebP or JPG |
Good balance of size and quality |
| Hero images |
AVIF or WebP |
Smallest files for large visuals |
| Logos |
PNG |
Crisp edges and transparency |
| Screenshots |
PNG or WebP lossless |
Keeps text readable |
| Illustrations |
WebP lossless |
Small file with clean edges |
Real-world use case: blog with mixed content
A typical blog includes photos, screenshots, and UI graphics. Use WebP for photos, PNG for UI elements, and convert large hero images to AVIF. Resize each asset to the exact display size. This keeps the page fast without sacrificing quality.
Do not convert a compressed JPG into PNG and expect better quality. The lost details are already gone. If possible, keep an original, export once, and compress only at the end. This keeps quality consistent.
Fallback strategy for compatibility
If you serve WebP or AVIF, keep a JPG or PNG fallback for older browsers or embedded webviews. This can be done at the server or build step. The easiest approach for most sites is to store both versions and let the platform choose the best supported format.
Editing pipeline tips
Always keep a high quality source file. Convert and compress only once for delivery. If you edit a compressed file repeatedly, artifacts accumulate. A clean master ensures every export looks good.
Optimize in stages instead of all at once
Many problems happen when you try to solve everything in a single step. A better approach is to optimize in stages: resize first, then adjust clarity if needed, then compress for delivery. This gives you more control and reduces the chance of artifacts.
Naming and storage habits that save time
Use descriptive names like "product-hero-1200w.webp" so you can identify assets quickly. Store files in a simple structure and keep versions organized. Good naming makes it easier to reuse assets and avoid mistakes, especially when working on multiple projects.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Avoid converting between lossy formats multiple times. Do not upscale small images beyond their limits. Do not ignore the display size. These pitfalls are easy to avoid with a short checklist and a consistent workflow.
Detailed workflow example
A practical way to apply this topic is to work from a simple example. Start with a high quality original, decide the final destination, and then make one clean export. If the image is for a website, determine the largest display size, resize to that size, and pick the right format. If the image is for social, use the platform dimensions and keep enough margin for cropping. This approach is consistent and avoids the trial-and-error loop that often leads to quality loss.
Troubleshooting and quality review
If the result looks worse than expected, step back and review the order of operations. Check for accidental upscaling, verify the aspect ratio, and compare the original and final at the same zoom level. If artifacts appear, reduce compression or switch formats. If the image looks soft, confirm the target size and apply only light sharpening. Most issues are caused by one of these three steps, so fixing them usually brings the image back to a clean result.
Delivery checklist
- Confirm the output dimensions match the display size.
- Verify format and quality settings are correct for the content.
- Preview on at least one real device.
- Save a master file for future edits.
- Keep filenames descriptive and versioned.
This checklist is short, but it keeps your workflow reliable and makes results easy to reproduce.
Final polish tips
Before publishing, take one last look at color, contrast, and sharpness. Small tweaks make a big difference. If the image feels flat, a slight contrast boost can help. If edges look harsh, reduce sharpening or resize down a little. If you see noise, apply a light denoise or choose a slightly higher compression quality. The goal is a natural look that matches the rest of your page or brand.
Quick recap checklist
- Check the image at 100 percent zoom.
- Confirm the size matches the display size.
- Verify the format and quality are appropriate.
- Save a clean master for future edits.
- Keep filenames consistent for easy reuse.
Small but important details
If you feel the image is almost right but not perfect, adjust one thing at a time. A 5 percent change in quality or a slight size tweak can fix issues without over-processing. Keep notes of what worked so the next image is easier.
Summary
Modern formats offer big performance gains. Use WebP for most photos, PNG for graphics and transparency, and AVIF for large hero images when supported. Always resize and compress after choosing the format.
