Choosing an image format feels like a small decision until file sizes start piling up or a logo starts looking blurry. Here is the short version of what actually matters.
JPG: best for photos
JPG uses lossy compression tuned for photographic detail — smooth gradients, natural textures, complex color. It does not support transparency. For photos, JPG usually gives the smallest file size for an acceptable quality level.
PNG: best for graphics and transparency
PNG uses lossless compression, which means no detail is thrown away, but file sizes are larger for photographic content. It is the right choice for logos, icons, screenshots with text, and anything that needs a transparent background.
WebP: a modern middle ground
WebP can do both lossy and lossless compression, generally producing smaller files than JPG or PNG at a similar visual quality, and it supports transparency. Nearly all modern browsers support it, making it a strong default for websites, though some older software still expects JPG or PNG.
A simple rule of thumb
- Photo for a website or email: JPG, or WebP if you control where it is viewed.
- Logo, icon, or screenshot with sharp edges and text: PNG.
- Building a modern website and want the smallest files possible: WebP with a JPG or PNG fallback.
Need to convert between formats?
Open PNG to JPEG