Understanding Web Image Formats: WebP, AVIF, and Beyond
Stop using heavy PNGs for simple layout backgrounds. Learn which format fits your specific web app performance requirements.
Modern image formats are not interchangeable. WebP is a strong default, AVIF can produce smaller files for photography, and PNG still matters when exact transparency or crisp UI edges are required.
For most websites, the practical workflow is simple: keep a high-quality source, export WebP for broad delivery, use AVIF where your stack supports fallbacks or modern-only delivery, and reserve PNG for images that truly need it.
The format decision should happen after the layout decision. Dimensions, density, and crop usually affect performance more than the file extension alone.
Need to convert an image format?
Try Lumli Convert to turn HEIC, AVIF, PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG code, and other assets into web-ready outputs.
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