JPG vs PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?

JPG vs PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?

JPG and PNG are two of the most common image formats used across the web, design tools and everyday workflows. They often seem interchangeable, but they are optimized for different purposes.

Choosing the wrong format can lead to:

• Unnecessarily large files
• Blurry or pixelated images
• Loss of transparency
• Slower page loads

In this guide, you’ll learn how JPG and PNG differ and when to use each format.

What is JPG?

JPG (or JPEG) is a lossy image format designed for compressing photographic content. It reduces file size by selectively discarding image data that is less noticeable to the human eye.

Key characteristics:

• Great for photos and complex scenes
• Very efficient at shrinking large, detailed images
• Does not support transparency
• Compression can introduce artifacts if quality is too low

JPG is widely used for:

• Photos from cameras and phones
• Social media images
• Blog post images
• Product photos in e-commerce (when backgrounds are solid)

What is PNG?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format, which means it can preserve all original image data without compression artifacts. It also supports transparency, making it ideal for UI and design elements.

Key characteristics:

• Lossless compression
• Supports full alpha transparency
• Typically larger file sizes than JPG for photos
• Great for images with flat colors, text and sharp edges

PNG is commonly used for:

• Logos and icons
• Screenshots
• UI components
• Images that require transparency
• Graphics with text or vector-like shapes

JPG vs PNG: compression and quality

The primary difference between JPG and PNG is how they handle compression.

JPG: lossy compression

• Reduces file size by removing visual information
• At high quality settings, the loss is often barely visible
• At low quality settings, artifacts appear (blocky patterns, halos, blur)

This makes JPG excellent for photos, where some loss can be tolerated in exchange for much smaller file sizes.

PNG: lossless compression

• Preserves all original details
• No compression artifacts
• Better for crisp lines, UI elements and text
• Larger file size when used for detailed photos

This makes PNG ideal for graphics and assets where clarity is critical.

Transparency support

If you need transparency, the choice is straightforward.

• JPG: No transparency support
• PNG: Full transparency support (alpha channel)

Use PNG when:

• You need a logo on different background colors
• You’re overlaying images on top of other content
• You’re designing UI components, icons or badges

If an image must “blend” with the background without a solid box around it, PNG (or another format with transparency like WebP) is the correct option.

File size comparison

As a general rule:

• For photos, JPG usually produces much smaller files than PNG.
• For flat graphics, PNG can be efficient while maintaining sharp edges.

Large PNG photos can bloat page size unnecessarily. In many cases, converting heavy PNG photos to JPG (or WebP/AVIF) leads to better performance with minimal quality loss.

When you should use JPG

Use JPG when:

• You’re working with photographs or realistic imagery
• File size is more important than pixel-perfect accuracy
• You don’t need transparency
• You are optimizing content for web performance

Examples:

• Travel photos in a blog article
• Product photos against a white background
• Gallery images in a portfolio
• Hero images on landing pages (if no transparency is required)

When you should use PNG

Use PNG when:

• You need transparent backgrounds
• You’re handling graphics, icons, logos or UI components
• Text and sharp shapes must remain crisp
• You’re sharing screenshots or interface captures

Examples:

• Brand logo over multiple background colors
• Navigation icons and interface elements
• Overlays, badges and stickers
• Screenshots in documentation

JPG or PNG for web design?

For modern websites:

• Use JPG for: photos, backgrounds, large visuals without transparency
• Use PNG for: logos, icons, UI, overlays and any transparent asset

In many cases, you can also consider modern formats like WebP or AVIF to further reduce file size, while still exporting from the original source images.

Converting between JPG and PNG

Sometimes, you may have assets in the "wrong" format:

• A large photo saved as a PNG
• A logo accidentally exported as JPG with a solid background

In these cases, converting between formats is useful:

• PNG → JPG:
  Good when you have a non-transparent image and want to reduce file size.
• JPG → PNG:
  Not ideal for recovery of lost quality, but can be useful when you need a lossless base for further editing (though original quality won’t return).
• Using an online image converter lets you quickly switch formats depending on the use case, without needing heavy design software.

JPG vs PNG: quick decision guide

• Need transparency? → Use PNG
• Need transparency? → Use PNG
• Logos / icons / UI? → Use PNG (or WebP with transparency)
• Need smallest file size for a photo? → Start with JPG or WebP

Final thoughts

JPG and PNG are both useful, but they’re optimized for different goals:

• JPG: smaller file sizes for rich, photographic images
• PNG: precise, lossless images with transparency and sharp details

By choosing the right format for each use case and converting images where needed, you can improve visual quality and performance at the same time.