Free webp to jpg
EN
Image MIME Reference
Harlequin-PGB

Global Graphics Page Graphics Buffer

image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb
VS

HEVC Image Sequence (HEIF Container)

image/heic-sequence
HEIC-Sequence

A complete technical comparison of Global Graphics Page Graphics Buffer and HEVC Image Sequence (HEIF Container) — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.

HEIC-Sequence wins on browser support

Feature Support

Feature Harlequin-PGB HEIC-Sequence
Transparency (Alpha) ✕ No Yes
Animation Support ✕ No Yes
Progressive Loading ✕ No ✕ No
HDR Support ✕ No Yes
EXIF Metadata ✕ No Yes
ICC Color Profile Yes Yes
Global Graphics Page Graphics Buffer
image/vnd.globalgraphics.pgb
Extension
.pgb
Container Proprietary Harlequin Raster Container
Compression Uncompressed / Run-Length Encoding (RLE)
Algorithm
Proprietary RLENone
Color Depth 1-bit (Monochrome Separations), 8-bit (Grayscale), 8-bit/10-bit (Contone), CMYK / N-Color Spot Channels
Developed by Global Graphics Software (Hybrid Software Group)
Released 1990s
Magic Bytes
Unknown (Proprietary Harlequin Header)
Full Harlequin-PGB reference →
HEVC Image Sequence (HEIF Container)
image/heic-sequence
Extension
.heics.heic
Container HEIF / ISOBMFF (ISO/IEC 14496-12)
Compression Lossy / Lossless
Algorithm
HEVC (H.265)
Color Depth 8-bit, 10-bit, 12-bit, 16-bit
Developed by Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) / Apple
Released 2017
Magic Bytes
XX XX XX XX 66 74 79 70 68 65 76 63
Full HEIC-Sequence reference →

Browser Support Comparison

Browser Harlequin-PGB HEIC-Sequence
Chrome Chrome
✕ ✕
Firefox Firefox
✕ ✕
Safari Safari
✕
✓ 11+
Edge Edge
✕ ✕
IE IE (Legacy)
✕ ✕
Harlequin-PGB

Harlequin-PGB Strengths

  • Unlike generic 1-bit TIFFs, PGB files inherently encapsulate vital print-job metadata within their headers (e.g., job name, page number, separation colors, screening angles)
  • Highly optimized for ultra-fast viewing and processing within professional printing workflows
Limitations
  • Completely proprietary and closed-source, locking its usage strictly to Harlequin-powered RIP environments
  • Zero support in standard desktop operating systems, web browsers, or consumer image editing software like Photoshop or GIMP
HEIC-Sequence

HEIC-Sequence Strengths

  • Incredibly efficient storage for bursts and short animations compared to GIF or motion JPEG
  • Supports 16-bit color, HDR, and alpha channel transparency across all frames
  • Shares frame data blocks, meaning the base image and animation data are heavily optimized for space
Limitations
  • Zero support in web browsers outside the Apple ecosystem (Chrome, Firefox, Edge do not support it)
  • Heavily encumbered by HEVC patent pools, hindering open-source adoption
  • Complex container structure makes parsing and decoding difficult without specialized libraries

When to choose which format

Harlequin-PGB
Use Harlequin-PGB when…
  • Commercial Printing Output
  • Computer-to-Plate (CTP) Manufacturing
  • Prepress Soft Proofing (e.g., FirstPROOF)
  • Harlequin RIP Spooling Pipelines
HEIC-Sequence
Use HEIC-Sequence when…
  • Apple Live Photos
  • Burst Photography
  • High-Quality Animations
  • Cinemagraphs

More comparisons

Harlequin-PGB vs ACES → HEIC-Sequence vs ACES → Harlequin-PGB vs APNG → HEIC-Sequence vs APNG → Harlequin-PGB vs AVCI → HEIC-Sequence vs AVCI → Harlequin-PGB vs AVCS → HEIC-Sequence vs AVCS → Harlequin-PGB vs AVIF → HEIC-Sequence vs AVIF → All comparisons →
Share this comparison