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File Formats Explained: When to Use What

JPEG, PNG, HEIC, WEBP, and PDF explained. Choose the right format for sharing, archiving, and printing.

JPEG

Best for photos when universal compatibility matters. Lossy compression; avoid repeated saves.

PNG

Great for graphics, text, and transparency. Larger files for photos compared to JPEG/HEIC.

HEIC/HEIF

Modern, efficient, supports Apple features. Needs newer software on Windows. Convert to PDF or JPEG when sharing broadly.

WEBP

Efficient for the web with both lossy and lossless modes. Browser support is broad on modern systems.

PDF

Ideal for multi‑page documents, reports, and consistent printing. Packages images with layout and fonts.

Picking the right tool

For sharing many images, use PDF. For single edit‑friendly photos, JPEG is still common. For modern Apple workflows, HEIC saves space until you need to export.

Official resources

FAQs

Which format is best for email?
A single PDF is typically easiest to open and review. For editing, send individual JPEGs as needed.
Will converting to PDF change colors?
Export settings and color profiles matter. Use a single, careful conversion to minimize changes.

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