Which file format is known for supporting only 256 colors and is commonly used on the web?

The Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) is a file format specifically designed for the web that supports a palette of up to 256 colors. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for simple graphics, such as logos, icons, and small animations, where a limited color range is sufficient. The 256-color limitation stems from its use of color indexing, which allows for efficient storage and quick rendering on web pages, contributing to faster loading times.

In contrast, other formats such as TIFF, BMP, and JPEG have different features and purposes. TIFF can support a much broader range of colors and is often used for high-quality images in print rather than web applications. BMP similarly offers a wide color range but is generally larger in file size and less practical for web use. JPEG, on the other hand, is designed for photographic images and uses lossy compression to manage file size, allowing for millions of colors but not suitable for simple graphics or animations where limited colors are needed. Thus, the choice of GIF as a web-friendly format reflects its intended use and functionality.