PNG vs JPG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Both formats are everywhere, but they serve different purposes. A practical comparison for web, print, and storage.
PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats on the internet. Choosing the wrong one wastes bandwidth, loses quality, or breaks transparency.
When to Use JPG
JPG uses lossy compression, producing small files ideal for photographs, web galleries, and email attachments. It does not support transparency.
When to Use PNG
PNG uses lossless compression and supports full transparency. Use it for logos, icons, screenshots with text, and graphics with sharp edges.
Pro tip: For web photos, JPG at 80-85% quality usually beats PNG on file size with no visible difference.
Conversion Tools
Convert between formats with our PNG to JPG and JPG to PNG tools. For further size reduction, run output through the Image Compressor.
Modern Alternative: WEBP
WEBP offers smaller files than both PNG and JPG. When compatibility allows, consider WEBP. When it does not, stick with JPG for photos and PNG for graphics.
Real-World File Size Comparison
A typical 4000x3000 photo might be 8 MB as PNG, 2 MB as high-quality JPG, and 1.5 MB as WEBP. Logos with transparency stay smallest as PNG when quality matters more than size.
Key Takeaways
- JPG for photographs and web galleries
- PNG for logos, screenshots, and transparency
- Convert format before compressing for best results