Which File Format Should I Use?

Lossy compression permanently removes some data to reduce file size, which can result in quality loss but creates smaller files. Examples include JPEG for images and MP3 for audio. Lossless compression preserves all original data but achieves less compression. When you decompress a lossless file, you get back the exact original data. Examples include PNG for images and FLAC for audio.

Not always. Converting from a lossless format to another lossless format typically preserves quality. However, converting from a lossy format (like JPEG) to another format and back can compound quality loss with each conversion. For best results, always keep your original files in a high-quality format, and create compressed versions as needed. Our converter software helps minimize quality loss during necessary conversions.

For long-term archiving, choose standard, widely-adopted formats that are likely to remain supported for decades:

• Images: TIFF or DNG for maximum quality, or PNG for good balance of quality and size
• Documents: PDF/A (specifically designed for archiving) or plain text for maximum future readability
• Audio: FLAC for compressed lossless or WAV for uncompressed
• Video: Uncompressed or lightly compressed formats like Motion JPEG 2000 or FFV1 in a MKV container

The key is to choose open, well-documented standards rather than proprietary formats, as these have better chances of continued support.

For web use, the best image format depends on the specific content:

• JPEG: Best for photographs and complex images with many colors
• PNG: Best for images with transparency, text, sharp edges, or few colors
• WebP: Modern format with better compression than both JPEG and PNG
• AVIF: Newest format with the best compression, but not yet universally supported
• SVG: Perfect for logos, icons, and simple illustrations that need to scale
• GIF: For simple animations, though often replaced by WebP or MP4

Modern websites often serve different formats to different browsers using the <picture> element to provide optimal balance between quality and file size.

The recommended video format for most platforms is MP4 with H.264 encoding. This provides the best balance of quality, file size, and compatibility. Specific recommendations:

• YouTube: MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec
• Facebook/Instagram: MP4 with H.264 codec, stereo AAC audio at 128kbps+
• Twitter: MP4 with H.264 codec, maximum length and file size restrictions apply
• TikTok: MP4 with H.264 codec

While platforms will convert your videos to their preferred formats, uploading in a compatible format results in faster uploads and better quality. Our converter makes it easy to prepare your videos for any platform.

The best audio format depends on your priorities:

• For maximum quality: Use lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV
• For portable devices with limited storage: Use MP3 or AAC at 192-320kbps
• For streaming: AAC is generally preferred, as it offers better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate
• For archiving: FLAC is ideal as it compresses files while preserving all audio data
• For Apple devices: AAC or ALAC work best with the Apple ecosystem
• For maximum compatibility: MP3 remains the most widely supported format

For most general purposes, MP3 at 320kbps or AAC at 256kbps provides excellent quality that’s virtually indistinguishable from lossless for most listeners while keeping file sizes manageable.

Our converter has no file size limits. Since it operates completely offline on your local machine, it can handle enormous files that online converters cannot. The only limitation is your computer’s available RAM and storage space. The converter is optimized to efficiently process large files, making it perfect for high-resolution videos, massive image collections, or any other large-scale conversion needs.

Yes, our converter supports extensive batch processing. You can convert thousands of files simultaneously with the same settings, saving you hours of manual work. This is particularly useful for photographers converting large collections of images, video producers standardizing file formats, or businesses processing document archives. The batch conversion feature is available in all our plans, including the free version.

A container is like a package or wrapper (the file extension you see, like .MP4, .MKV, or .AVI) that can hold various types of data, including video, audio, subtitles, and metadata. Containers determine compatibility with different devices and players.

A codec (compressor-decompressor) is the method used to encode and compress the actual audio or video data inside the container. Common video codecs include H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9, and AV1. Common audio codecs include AAC, MP3, and Opus.

For example, an MP4 container (file) might contain video encoded with H.264 codec and audio encoded with AAC codec. Understanding this distinction helps you make better choices when converting files for specific purposes.

Compatibility issues can happen for several reasons:

• Container format not supported: The device may not support the file extension (like MKV on older Apple devices)
• Codec not supported: While the container might be recognized, the specific codec inside might not be (like H.265 on older devices)
• Resolution or bitrate too high: Some devices have limits on the maximum resolution or bitrate they can handle
• DRM or protection: Protected content may only play on authorized devices
• Incomplete conversion: The file may be corrupted or incomplete

Our converter helps avoid these issues by offering device-specific presets and broad format support. For maximum compatibility, choose widely supported formats like MP4 with H.264 for video, MP3 for audio, and JPEG for images.