PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Format Should You Use?

PNG: lossless and transparent

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless format, meaning it compresses without discarding any image data. Every pixel in the original is preserved in the compressed file. PNG also supports alpha channel transparency, making it the standard format for images that need transparent backgrounds, such as logos, icons, and UI elements.

The downside of PNG is file size. Because it is lossless, photographic images saved as PNG are significantly larger than the same images saved as JPG or WebP. PNG is best suited for images with sharp edges, text, few colors, or transparency requirements, not for photographs.

JPG: small and universal

JPG (JPEG) is a lossy format designed for photographs. It achieves small file sizes by discarding visual information that the human eye is less sensitive to. At high quality settings, the compression is nearly invisible. At low quality settings, it produces visible artifacts, especially around sharp edges and text.

JPG is the most widely supported image format. Every browser, device, and image application can display JPG files. It does not support transparency, and repeated saving with compression degrades quality each time. JPG is best for photographs and complex images where small file size matters more than perfect sharpness.

WebP: modern and efficient

WebP is a modern format developed by Google that supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency and animation. WebP produces smaller files than both PNG and JPG at equivalent quality levels. A WebP file is typically 25-35 percent smaller than the same image as a JPG, and a lossless WebP is smaller than the equivalent PNG.

WebP is supported by all modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For web images, WebP is the best choice because it reduces page load times without sacrificing quality. The main consideration is compatibility with older browsers, but this is increasingly a non-issue as older browsers fade from use.

Format comparison table

PNG: Lossless compression. Supports transparency. Large file size. Best for logos, icons, screenshots, and images with sharp edges.

JPG: Lossy compression. No transparency. Small file size. Best for photographs and complex images. Universal compatibility.

WebP: Both lossy and lossless. Supports transparency and animation. Smallest file size. Best for web images. Supported by all modern browsers.

When to use each format

Use PNG for logos, icons, UI elements, screenshots, diagrams, and any image that requires transparency or has sharp edges and text. PNG preserves every pixel without artifacts.

Use JPG for photographs, complex images with gradients, and any image where small file size is more important than perfect sharpness. Use a quality setting of 80-90 for a good balance of size and quality.

Use WebP for web images whenever possible. It produces the smallest files at equivalent quality. If you need a single format for a website, WebP is the best choice for both photographic and graphic content.

Converting between formats

Converting between formats is straightforward with a browser-based image tool. Open a tool like Pixbench at pixbench.explorme.com, upload your image, choose the output format, adjust the quality setting if applicable, and download the converted file.

When converting from a lossy format (JPG) to another lossy format, some quality loss occurs. When converting from a lossless format (PNG) to a lossy format (JPG or WebP), the quality loss depends on the compression settings. Always keep the original file and convert from it to avoid cumulative quality loss.