Image Codecs Comparison
Understanding the differences between JPG, PNG, and WebP
Start Compressing NowWhat is an Image Codec?
An image codec (coder-decoder) is an algorithm used to compress and decompress digital images. Different codecs use different techniques to reduce file size, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Available Codecs
LiteIMG supports the most popular and efficient modern image codecs.
🟠 MozJPEG
MozJPEG is an improved JPEG encoder that produces smaller file sizes at the same quality level.
Advantages
- Universal compatibility
- Good compression ratio for photos
- Adjustable quality level
- Progressive loading support
- Widely supported standard
Disadvantages
- Lossy compression (details lost)
- No transparency support
- Artifacts at low quality
- Not good for text/graphics
Best Use Cases: Photographs, complex images, hero banners
🟢 OxiPNG
OxiPNG is a multithreaded PNG optimizer that recompresses PNG files without losing any quality.
Advantages
- Lossless (pixel-perfect)
- Transparency (alpha channel)
- Sharp edges and text
- Broad compatibility
- No generation loss
Disadvantages
- Larger file sizes for photos
- No quality adjustment
- Slower compression
- Limited bit depths
Best Use Cases: Screenshots, logos, icons, drawings
🔵 WebP
WebP is a modern image format developed by Google that provides superior compression for images on the web.
Advantages
- Superior compression
- Supports transparency
- Supports animation
- Lossy and lossless modes
- Modern standard
Disadvantages
- Older browsers may unsupported
- Variable quality results
- Slower encoding than JPEG
- Less tool support
Best Use Cases: Websites, apps, versatile usage
Quick Comparison
| Feature | MozJPEG | OxiPNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Type | Lossy | Lossless | Both |
| Transparency | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best For | Photos, Realism | Graphics, Text | All Purpose |
| File Size | Small | Large | Smallest |
| Browser Support | 100% | 100% | ~97% |
| Quality Control | 10-100% | Level 0-6 | 10-100% |
| Animation | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Which Codec Should You Choose?
📷 For Photos
Use MozJPEG (JPG) for photographs and realistic images. It offers the best balance of quality and file size for complex images.
🎨 For Graphics
Use OxiPNG (PNG) for screenshots, logos, and graphics with sharp edges or text. It preserves every detail perfectly.
🌐 For Modern Web
Use WebP for websites. It supports both lossy and lossless compression and often produces smaller files than JPG and PNG.
Local Processing
All compression happens right in your browser. We never upload your images to any server.
Try Compression Now →