PNG, JPG or WebP: Choose a Format for Your Image

JPG for photographic content and compatible uploads

JPEG uses lossy compression. It is often suitable for photographic images, but sharp text and repeated re-encoding can reveal artifacts. The .jpg and .jpeg extensions refer to the same common format. JPG does not store transparency: converting a transparent source requires a background color.

PNG when transparent pixels matter

PNG can preserve transparency and stores its received pixels using lossless compression. Converting an existing JPG to PNG does not recover details lost in the JPG. A PNG copy of a photograph can be larger, so check actual bytes rather than assuming a format change guarantees a smaller file.

WebP for a compatible website or application

WebP is another option for delivering images. Our JPG to WebP tool lets you choose quality and compares actual sizes. Test the result in its intended destination. The tool checks that the browser really exported WebP instead of renaming another format. Animated WebP conversion is outside this release's scope.

Try a transparent source

Download the original transparent sample below. In PNG to JPG, export it once with white and once with a dark background. Inspect pale areas and edges, and keep the PNG for uses that still require transparency. The useful comparison is the appearance, compatibility and measured size of your own output—not a universal format winner.

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