While some formats offer multiple compression systems, in general the format and the compression system are tied together. The basic choices are SVG for simple diagrams (esp. those that need to be scaled), PNG for diagrams that can't be easily or efficiently created as vector graphics, and JPEG for photographs or similar images (e.g., screenshots of modern 3D video games, or anything else that's not mainly solid colors).

Other image formats should be avoided in most cases:

• BMP - Images are uncompressed, resulting in larger file sizes. Should usually be converted to PNG.

• GIF - Files may be larger, less scalable, and not as colorful. Should usually be converted to PNG unless animated.

• TIFF - Should usually be converted to PNG or JPEG as discussed above.