Many of you may be questioning why my examples always use PNG images, and not GIF or JPEG…. the answer is really simple, PNG is better suited to most usage of images on the Internet. It’s well supported by most modern browsers and allows for smaller images of higher quality than is available with GIF.
Additionally, PNG offers advanced features such as GAMA correction and Alpha Transparency.
Previously there were several patents that restricted the use of GIF online, JPG has similar restrictions that are occasionally disputed. PNG has always been an open standard and as such isn’t encumbered by any legal issues.
Here’s the simple rules that I generally apply…
1. JPG / JPEG = Photo quality images.
2. GIF = Animated Images
3. PNG = Static (non-photo) Images
References:
MNG is the animated PNG equivalent, it’s just not supported well.