A Format Selection feature during image upload or editing allows users to select the desired output format of their uploaded image, offering flexibility depending on their needs. The feature includes the following options:


1. None

  • This option is used to leave image formatting settings OFF. 
  • When to Use: Ideal for users who want to format each image differently with each upload.

2. Default Format

  •  This option uses predefined settings to automatically convert the uploaded image into the most appropriate format based on the platform's configuration (e.g., JPEG for photos or PNG for images with transparency). It simplifies the process by automatically balancing file size, image quality, and format without requiring user input.
  • When to Use: Ideal for users who are unsure about which format to choose or prefer optimized settings based on the platform's requirements.

3. Original Format

  • The uploaded image remains unaltered and is saved in its original format without any compression, resizing, or format conversion.
  • When to Use: Best for users who need to preserve the exact quality and format of the image (e.g., photographers or designers), ensuring no loss in image data.

4. Custom Format Selection

  • Description: Users can manually select the format from a dropdown list, with various options like JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, WEBP, and more. This allows them to tailor the output to their specific needs:
    • JPEG: For smaller file size and good quality for photos.
    • PNG: For high-quality images with transparency.
    • GIF: For animations or simple low-color images.
    • TIFF: For high-quality, print-ready images.
    • WEBP: For optimized web use with both transparency and small size.
    • BMP:  simple, uncompressed graphics


Use Cases

  • None: Used to choose image format with each upload.
  • Default: A quick and efficient solution when image optimization is required for web uploads.
  • Original: Ensures professional users, such as designers or photographers, retain image integrity.
  • Custom Formats: Offers control to users who need specific formats for different platforms (e.g., SVG for web icons, TIFF for printing).


This feature streamlines the image upload process by giving users flexibility while offering a default option for simplicity.


Here are some common image formats and their advantages:


1. JPEG / JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

  • Best For: Photographs, web images with gradients

  • Advantages:

    • High Compression: Can significantly reduce file size with minimal loss of quality at higher resolutions.
    • Widely Supported: Compatible with almost every device and software.
    • Ideal for Web: Small file size makes it great for web pages, improving load times.

  • Drawback: Lossy compression, meaning quality is reduced when edited and saved multiple times.

2. PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

  • Best For: Images with transparency, detailed web graphics

  • Advantages:

    • Lossless Compression: No quality loss, even after multiple edits.
    • Supports Transparency: Allows for transparent backgrounds, making it perfect for logos and web icons.
    • Good Color Depth: Excellent for detailed images with gradients and fine details.

  • Drawback: Larger file size compared to JPEG.

3. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

  • Best For: Simple animations, low-color images

  • Advantages:

    • Animation Support: Ideal for short, simple animations.
    • Small File Size: Due to limited colors (256-color palette), GIFs are compact.
    • Supports Transparency: Basic transparency (one color can be set as transparent).

  • Drawback: Limited color palette, unsuitable for complex images or high-quality photography.

4. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

  • Best For: High-quality print graphics, professional photography

  • Advantages:

    • Lossless Compression: Perfect for images that need to maintain quality, such as in photography and print.
    • High-Resolution: Used for images that require large detail, especially for printing.
    • Multiple Pages/Layer Support: Useful for scanned documents or multi-page projects.

  • Drawback: Extremely large file size, unsuitable for web use.

5. BMP (Bitmap)

  • Best For: Simple, uncompressed graphics

  • Advantages:

    • Simple and Uncompressed: Represents each pixel of the image, providing high quality.
    • Compatible with Windows: Popular in older Windows applications.

  • Drawback: Large file size due to no compression.

6. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)

  • Best For: Logos, icons, illustrations, web graphics

  • Advantages:

    • Scalable: Vector format means the image can be resized without losing quality.
    • Small File Size: Consists of mathematical formulas rather than pixels, making it lightweight.
    • Ideal for Web Use: Suitable for responsive web designs due to its scalability.

  • Drawback: Not suitable for photographs or images with complex details.

7. HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) / HEIC

  • Best For: Photos on modern smartphones (e.g., iPhone)

  • Advantages:

    • High Compression: Offers better quality at smaller file sizes compared to JPEG.
    • Supports Transparency and Animation: More versatile than older formats like JPEG.

  • Drawback: Less widely supported across devices and software than JPEG and PNG.

8. RAW

  • Best For: Professional photography
  • Advantages:
    • Uncompressed and Unprocessed: Offers the highest level of detail, preserving all image data from the camera sensor.
    • Maximum Editing Flexibility: Ideal for post-processing in photography (adjusting exposure, color balance, etc.).
  • Drawback: Requires specific software to open and edit, and the files are very large.

9. WEBP

  • Best For: Modern web images

  • Advantages:

    • Great Compression: Combines the best of JPEG and PNG, offering both lossy and lossless compression.
    • Smaller File Sizes: Produces smaller files than JPEG and PNG without much quality loss.
    • Transparency Support: Allows for transparent images like PNG.

  • Drawback: Limited support in older web browsers and software.

Each image format has its use depending on the required quality, transparency, compression, and how the image will be displayed or printed.