PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats, and choosing the right one keeps your images sharp and your files small. Here is the simple rule.
The simple rule
- Use JPG for photographs. It compresses photos to small files with little visible loss.
- Use PNG for graphics, logos, screenshots and anything with text or transparency. It is lossless and supports transparent backgrounds.
Why it matters
Save a logo as JPG and you get ugly artefacts around the edges and no transparency. Save a photo as PNG and the file is needlessly huge. Matching the format to the content gives you the best of both.
Convert between them free
Need to switch? Use the free JPG ⇌ PNG converter — both directions, no watermark. For even smaller modern files, try AVIF or WebP.
FAQ
Is PNG or JPG better quality?
PNG is lossless (perfect quality) but larger; JPG is smaller but loses a little detail. For photos the difference is usually invisible.
Which is better for the web?
JPG (or modern WebP/AVIF) for photos; PNG for graphics needing transparency.
