What is the Difference between a GIF File and a JPG File?

JPG and GIF image files are often used on the web. These images are created in programs like Adobe Illustrator or Fireworks, and Microsoft Paint. But what is the difference between a GIF file and a JPG file? And, how do you decide which to use?

Colors

GIF file images support 256 colors. JPG file images support 16.7 million colors. If you go outside of the 256 colors supported by GIFs, you will get a color that is similar, but not the same, as the color you intended.

Compression

GIF file images do not lose quality when compressed. JPG file images do lose some quality when they are compressed.

Animation

GIF file images support animated graphics; JPG file images do not.

Transparency

GIF file images allow one color to be set as transparent. JPG file images do not support transparency.

How to Choose

GIF file images work best for images made up of large blocks of solid color (within the 256 color palette) or simple line images. JPG file images are typically best for photographs and art work, due to the complexity of colors involved.

References

• UIUC: What's the Difference Between a GIF and a JPEG?
• SDSU: Web Page Design: GIF vs. JPEG
• JPG vs GIF