JPG vs PNG vs WEBP: which format to use and when
When saving an image, it is easy to get stuck choosing between JPG, PNG and WEBP. Pick the wrong one and the file is needlessly large, the transparent background disappears, or text looks smudged. Here is how the three differ and how to choose.
At a glance
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Lossy (adjustable quality) | No | Photos, landscapes, portraits |
| PNG | Lossless | Yes | Logos, icons, screenshots, images with text |
| WEBP | Lossy or lossless | Yes | Websites and blog uploads |
JPG: the default for photos
JPG greatly reduces file size by dropping detail the eye barely notices. For photos with smooth color changes, saving at around 80% quality is hard to tell apart from the original. However, quality drops a little each time you save, sharp text and lines get smudgy halos, and transparency is not supported.
PNG: when you need crisp edges and transparency
PNG saves every pixel without loss. Screenshots, logos, icons and images full of tables or text look much cleaner as PNG. Signatures and cut-out images that need a transparent background must also be PNG. Photos saved as PNG, though, end up several times larger than JPG, which is heavy for the web.
WEBP: the lightest choice for the web
WEBP was designed for the web. At the same quality it is about 25 to 35% smaller than JPG and supports transparency. It is great for blogs and online stores where page speed matters. Some older programs, upload forms and document apps cannot open it, though. If a WEBP you received will not open, convert it to JPG.
What to use when
- Sharing or submitting phone photos: JPG at 80 to 90% quality
- Uploading to a blog or your own site: WEBP, or JPG where WEBP is not accepted
- Logos, icons, signatures, images without a background: PNG
- Screenshots and explanatory images: PNG, or WEBP if the file is large
- Keeping originals for editing: a lossless format like PNG
Things to remember when converting
Converting JPG to PNG does not improve quality. Lost detail does not come back, and the file only gets larger. Also, renaming the file extension does not change the format. You need to save it again with a converter.
Once you have chosen a format, check the file size. If a photo is too large, run it through the image compressor so it uploads faster and is easier for others to view.