PNG vs JPG, which one should you use?

Updated

PNG and JPG are the two image formats almost every app, website, and phone understands. They store pictures in different ways, so the right choice depends on what is in the image and where it is going.

The short answer

  • Use JPG for photos. Camera pictures, screenshots of video, and anything with smooth gradients come out much smaller as JPG with no visible difference at normal quality.
  • Use PNG for graphics. Logos, icons, diagrams, screenshots of text, and anything that needs a transparent background stay sharp as PNG.

How they differ

  • Compression. JPG is lossy and drops detail you rarely notice. PNG is lossless and keeps every pixel.
  • File size. A photo saved as PNG is often 3 to 10 times larger than the same photo as JPG.
  • Transparency. PNG supports transparent backgrounds. JPG does not.
  • Text and sharp lines. PNG keeps them crisp. JPG can show a soft halo around edges.
  • Saving again. A JPG loses a little quality every time it is re-saved. A PNG does not.

When to convert

Convert PNG to JPG when a photo saved as PNG is too large to email or upload. Transparent areas become white, because JPG has no transparency. Use PNG to JPG.

Convert JPG to PNG when a tool or site asks for PNG, or when you will edit the image several times and do not want to lose more quality. The PNG will be larger, and it does not bring back detail the JPG already dropped. Use JPG to PNG.

What about WebP?

WebP is a newer format that is usually smaller than both. Most current browsers support it, but some older apps do not. If a site rejects your WebP, convert it with WebP to PNG or WebP to JPG.

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