Pixores original reference
Image format history: an evidence-based timeline
A compact chronology of GIF, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and AVIF, paired with a capability matrix and downloadable source data. Dates and technical claims are tied to primary specifications.
Published and reviewed August 15, 2026 · Maintained by the Pixores Editorial Team
1987–2019
The modern web-image timeline
GIF87a
CompuServe
Introduced portable indexed-color graphics and LZW compression for online services.
View primary source ↗GIF89a
CompuServe
Added graphic-control information, timing, transparency indication, comments, and extensions.
View primary source ↗JPEG
ISO/IEC and ITU-T
Standardized practical lossy compression for continuous-tone photographic images.
View primary source ↗PNG 1.0
W3C
Standardized an open lossless format with richer color, integrity checks, and alpha transparency.
View primary source ↗WebP
Google
Introduced a web-focused format that later combined lossy, lossless, alpha, and animation modes.
View primary source ↗AVIF
Alliance for Open Media
Defined AV1 image storage in HEIF for high compression efficiency, HDR, and wide color workflows.
View primary source ↗
Capability matrix
What each format was built to do
“Newer” does not automatically mean “better.” The correct format depends on the source image, required features, delivery size, and compatibility target.
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Animation | Typical strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIF | Lossless, indexed | Single transparent palette entry | Yes | Simple limited-color loops |
| JPEG | Lossy | No | No | Photographs and continuous tone |
| PNG | Lossless | Full alpha | APNG extension | Screenshots, diagrams, and cutouts |
| WebP | Lossy or lossless | Alpha | Yes | General modern web delivery |
| AVIF | Lossy or lossless | Alpha | Image sequences | Efficient photos, HDR, and wide color |
Methodology
How this reference was assembled
The chronology uses the first named public specification or standards milestone shown in the linked primary source. Capability labels describe the format family rather than every decoder, encoder, browser, or optional extension.
When citing this resource, use: Pixores Editorial Team, “Image Format History: An Evidence-Based Timeline,” August 15, 2026. Link to this page so readers can inspect the methodology and latest corrections.