PNG vs JPG — which image format should you use?
PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats, but they are built for different jobs. PNG is lossless and supports transparency; JPG uses lossy compression to make photos much smaller. Here is how they compare and when to use each.
| Aspect | PNG | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless — no quality loss | Lossy — discards some detail to shrink size |
| File size | Larger, especially for photos | Much smaller for photographs |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha channel) | No — flattened to a solid background |
| Best for | Logos, icons, screenshots, flat graphics, anything with sharp edges or transparency | Photographs and complex images where small size matters |
| Editing repeatedly | Stays sharp through re-saves | Degrades a little each re-save |
The verdict
Use PNG for logos, screenshots, graphics with text, and anything that needs transparency. Use JPG for photos and when you need the smallest file for email or uploads. For most “upload your photo” forms, JPG is the right choice.
Free tools for PNG and JPG
FAQ
Is PNG or JPG better quality?
PNG is technically higher quality because it is lossless, but for photographs a high-quality JPG looks identical at a fraction of the size.
Should I use PNG or JPG for a website?
Use JPG (or WebP) for photos to keep pages fast, and PNG for logos, icons and anything with transparency.