I'm currently exploring HTML through a resource called Zybooks, and I came across some alternative image formats beyond the usual PNG, JPEG, and GIF. These include APNG, SVG, WebP, and AVIF, each offering different features. I'm curious: is the limited use of these formats due to their relative newness, or are older formats still dominating for specific reasons? WebP particularly stands out to me since it seems to combine the best qualities of the familiar formats, yet it doesn't seem widespread. Are issues like compatibility or user preference holding these alternatives back? Any insights would be super helpful!
5 Answers
SVG and WebP are pretty common, especially for web use. APNG? Not so much—most people opt for video animations instead. The reason for WebP's slower adoption is mainly user familiarity with JPEG. It can be tough to shift habits in tech!
APNG is a good substitute for GIFs, and WebP is gaining traction; you just don’t notice them as much because major sites often stick to reliable formats. SVG is the go-to for vector images—it's everywhere! The slow adoption of newer formats like AVIF is often due to legacy support issues, while older formats are just so established that switching feels risky to many web devs.
SVG is actually super popular, especially for vector graphics on modern websites! It offers flexibility and scalability. As for APNG, it never really took off since there are better options for animations now, like video formats. WebP does get used by some big websites, mainly due to its better compression, but many smaller sites stick to JPEG because it's familiar. AVIF is still newer, so it's not yet widely adopted. People are still figuring it out!
Thanks for clarifying! I guess my source skewed my perception of their popularity. Glad to know they're out there!
Generational support plays a big role here. Many developers stick to formats that are guaranteed to work for all users, regardless of their tech. New image formats like AVIF, while great, just haven’t hit critical mass yet.
That’s a valid point! It seems like adopting anything new comes with its risks.
WebP is quite commonly used among big websites, especially because it reduces loading times compared to JPEG. However, JPEG still reigns supreme for general use since most users are accustomed to it. AVIF is a newer player and hasn’t achieved significant visibility yet, but it shows promise!
Interesting point about legacy support! Makes sense why web creators might hesitate to adopt new formats.