PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Choosing the Right Image Format

Choosing the right image format significantly impacts file size, quality, and compatibility. This guide compares the three most popular web image formats.

Quick Comparison

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

Strengths

• Lossless quality: No data is lost during compression
• Transparency support: Perfect for logos with transparent backgrounds
• Sharp edges: Ideal for text, screenshots, and graphics

Best Used For

• Logos and icons
• Screenshots and diagrams
• Graphics with text
• Images requiring transparency
• Digital art and illustrations

Drawbacks

• Large file sizes for photographs
• Not ideal for complex images with many colors

JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

Strengths

• Excellent compression: Creates very small files
• Universal support: Works everywhere
• Adjustable quality: Balance size vs. quality

Best Used For

• Photographs and realistic images
• Web page backgrounds
• Social media images
• Email attachments
• Any image where file size matters

Drawbacks

• No transparency support
• Quality loss accumulates with each edit and save
• Can show compression artifacts at high compression

WebP

Strengths

• Superior compression: 25-35% smaller than JPG at same quality
• Supports transparency: Like PNG but smaller
• Supports animation: More efficient than GIF
• Both lossy and lossless modes

Best Used For

• Modern web applications
• Performance-optimized websites
• Progressive web apps
• Any use case where PNG or JPG would work

Drawbacks

• Not supported by older browsers
• Less common in desktop applications
• Some image editors don't support it

When to Convert Between Formats

PNG to JPG

Convert when:

• You need smaller file sizes
• The image doesn't need transparency
• You're optimizing for web performance
• Sharing photos via email or messaging

JPG to PNG

Convert when:

• You need to add transparency later
• You're creating graphics or logos
• You need lossless editing capability
• Image will be edited multiple times

To WebP

Convert when:

• Building modern web applications
• File size is critical
• Your audience uses modern browsers
• You need the best of both PNG and JPG

Practical Recommendations

For Websites

• Use WebP with JPG fallback for photos
• Use PNG for icons and logos
• Consider SVG for simple graphics

For Social Media

• Check platform recommendations (each has preferences)
• JPG usually works best for photos
• PNG for graphics with text

For Printing

• Keep source files in PNG or TIFF
• Convert to JPG only for web sharing
• Avoid WebP for print workflows

Try our image converters:

• PNG to JPG
• JPG to PNG