Bilddateiformate verstehen: Ein Leitfaden für Anfänger

Image formats are like languages — each designed for a specific purpose. Here’s what every file extension means and when to use it.

Lossy vs Lossless: The Fundamental Divide

All image formats fall into two categories:

• Lossy: Compresses by discarding some data. Smaller files, slight quality reduction.
• Lossless: Preserves every pixel perfectly. Larger files, identical quality.

Think of lossy as paraphrasing a long article, and lossless as photocopying it word-for-word.

The Major Formats Explained

JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg) — The Universal Standard

JPEG uses lossy compression optimized for photographs. It works everywhere — every device, every browser, every app since 1992.

• Use for: Photos, web images, sharing, printing
• Don’t use for: Text, logos, images needing transparency
• File size: 2-8 MB for a 12 MP photo

HEIC (.heic) — Apple’s Modern Format

Apple’s default since iOS 11. Uses HEVC compression to achieve ~50% smaller files than JPEG at the same visual quality.

• Use for: iPhone photography, saving storage space
• Don’t use for: Sharing with Windows users (compatibility issues)
• Convert to JPEG: Use heicgo.com when sharing

PNG (.png) — Lossless with Transparency

PNG compresses without losing any data. Perfect for graphics, logos, and screenshots.

• Use for: Logos, UI elements, screenshots with text, transparent images
• Don’t use for: Photographs (10× larger than JPEG)
• File size: 1-30 MB depending on content

WebP (.webp) — Google’s Web Format

Google’s format combines lossy and lossless modes. WebP photos are 25-35% smaller than JPEG.

• Use for: Website images (supported by all modern browsers)
• Don’t use for: Desktop apps (limited support)
• File size: 25-35% smaller than equivalent JPEG

GIF (.gif) — Animated but Limited

GIF supports animation but is limited to 256 colors. It’s been largely superseded by WebP animations and video.

• Use for: Simple animations, memes
• Don’t use for: Photos, high-quality animations
• Better alternative: WebP (animation) or MP4

RAW (.raw, .dng, .cr2, .nef) — Professional Original

RAW files contain unprocessed sensor data from digital cameras. They’re digital negatives — huge files meant for editing, not sharing.

• Use for: Professional photography, editing flexibility
• Don’t use for: Sharing, web, email
• File size: 20-60 MB per photo

SVG (.svg) — Vector Graphics

Unlike all the above (raster/pixel formats), SVG stores mathematical shapes. It scales infinitely without pixelation.

• Use for: Icons, logos, illustrations
• Don’t use for: Photographs
• File size: Usually under 100 KB

Quick Decision Guide

You want to…	Use
Share a photo	JPEG (or HEIC → JPEG via heicgo)
Save iPhone storage	HEIC
Make a logo	PNG or SVG
Speed up your website	WebP
Print a photo at 24×36	JPEG at 100% quality or TIFF
Edit a photo heavily	RAW (or PNG if already edited)
Animate something short	GIF or WebP

For iPhone users, the most common workflow: shoot in HEIC (saves space) → convert to JPEG with heicgo.com when sharing (universal compatibility with EXIF preserved).

Further Reading

• JPEG vs PNG vs HEIC vs WebP — detailed four-way comparison
• What Is a HEIC File? — focus on Apple’s format
• HEIC to PNG Conversion — practical format conversion