What an image format defines
The format decides how pixels are laid out and compressed, whether the file can hold transparent pixels, whether animation is possible, and what metadata is allowed alongside the picture.
Software reads the format from the file's internal header, not from the name on the end, which is why a mislabeled file still reveals its true type when inspected.
Choosing between common formats
JPEG is the default for photographs because it compresses them well and opens everywhere. PNG suits graphics that need transparency and lossless detail, while WebP aims to do both jobs with smaller files.
SVG covers vector artwork, GIF handles simple animation, and PDF keeps pages rather than single pictures. Match the format to the content instead of picking by habit.
- Photographs: JPEG or WebP for small, compatible files
- Graphics and transparency: PNG or static WebP
- Logos that must scale: SVG
- Documents and multi-page output: PDF
Formats Filekind supports
Filekind converts between JPEG, PNG, and static WebP in all six directions, and compresses JPEG or PNG input to a JPEG at or below a chosen size. It also builds PDFs from those images and renders PDF pages back to JPG or PNG.
HEIC, GIF, BMP, TIFF, SVG, and AVIF are not supported by the converter today. HEIC is the single exception elsewhere on the site: Images to PDF opens those photos directly. Processing happens in the browser, so files are never uploaded. The supported set covers the formats most websites and forms ask for by default.