PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Short answer
Use JPG for photos when you need maximum compatibility, PNG for screenshots, logos and graphics that need sharp edges or transparency, and WebP for websites, because it does both jobs with smaller files: Google reports lossless WebP is about 26% smaller than PNG and lossy WebP 25β34% smaller than comparable JPG. Use SVG for simple logos and icons.
Choosing the wrong image format is one of the most common reasons for blurry logos, huge files and slow web pages. Each format was designed for a different kind of image, and the differences come down to two things: how the image is compressed, and what extra features (such as transparency or animation) it supports. Once you know those, the choice is usually obvious.
Lossy versus lossless compression
- Lossy compression throws away detail the eye is unlikely to notice, giving much smaller files. Each re-save loses a little more. JPG and lossy WebP work this way.
- Lossless compression keeps every pixel exactly, like a ZIP file for images. Files are larger for photos but perfect for graphics. PNG and lossless WebP work this way.
The formats at a glance
| JPG / JPEG | PNG | WebP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | Only via the APNG extension | Yes |
| Best for | Photos | Graphics, screenshots, logos | Almost everything on the web |
| File size | Small for photos | Large for photos | Usually the smallest |
| Support | Universal | Universal | All current major browsers; some older software lacks it |
JPG (JPEG): the photo standard
JPG has been the default for photographs for decades, and every device, browser, email client and editing program opens it. It handles the smooth gradients and fine textures of photos very efficiently. Its weaknesses: no transparency, and visible artefacts around sharp edges and text, which is why screenshots saved as JPG often look fuzzy. Use JPG for photos when you need them to open everywhere, such as email attachments or print shops.
PNG: sharp graphics and transparency
PNG was created as a free, lossless format for graphics. It keeps text, lines and flat colours perfectly crisp and supports full alpha transparency, so a logo can sit on any background. For screenshots, diagrams, icons and images with text, PNG is usually smaller and much sharper than JPG. For photos, though, PNG files can be several times larger than a good JPG with no visible benefit. A transparent cut-out made with the background remover needs PNG or WebP to keep the transparency.
WebP: the modern all-rounder
WebP was developed by Google for the web. It supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation in one format. According to Googleβs documentation, lossless WebP images are about 26% smaller than PNGs, and lossy WebP images are 25β34% smaller than comparable JPG images at equivalent quality. All current major browsers support it, which makes it the default choice for most website images. The WebP converter turns JPG and PNG files into WebP in your browser.
The main drawback is compatibility outside browsers: some older image editors, operating systems and upload forms still do not accept WebP. If someone needs to edit or print the file, send a JPG or PNG instead. The JPG/PNG converter converts between all three formats.
The other formats
- SVG: a vector format made of shapes instead of pixels, so it stays sharp at any size and is usually tiny. Ideal for logos, icons and simple illustrations; not suitable for photos.
- GIF: an old format limited to 256 colours. Still used for simple animations, but animated WebP or a short video file is usually far smaller.
- AVIF: a newer format based on the AV1 video codec that often compresses even better than WebP. Support is good in current browsers, but encoding is slower and support in other software is still patchier.
- HEIC: the default photo format on recent iPhones. Efficient, but many websites and Windows apps do not accept it, so convert to JPG for sharing.
Which format should I use? A quick guide
- Is it a logo or icon made of simple shapes? Use SVG if you have it; otherwise PNG or lossless WebP.
- Is it a screenshot or graphic with text? PNG or lossless WebP.
- Does it need a transparent background? PNG or WebP.
- Is it a photo for a website? WebP (or AVIF), with JPG as a fallback if needed.
- Is it a photo to email, print or share with someone who will edit it? JPG.
Example: one image, three formats
Results vary with the content, but the pattern is consistent. Save a detailed landscape photo as PNG and the file is typically several times larger than a high-quality JPG of the same photo. Convert that JPG to WebP at a similar quality and it usually shrinks further. Do the same with a screenshot of a spreadsheet and the ranking flips: PNG stays crisp and compact, while JPG gets larger and blurrier around the text. Try your own images with the image compressor to see the sizes side by side.
Format is only half the story
The biggest file-size savings usually come from resizing the image to the size it is displayed at, before you even pick a format. Our step-by-step guide on how to reduce image size without losing quality covers resizing, quality settings and metadata, and image sizes for the web lists recommended dimensions. If you work with brand colours across formats, converting HEX to RGB helps keep them consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than PNG?
For the web, usually yes. Lossless WebP files are about 26% smaller than PNG according to Google, and WebP also supports transparency. PNG is still more widely supported outside browsers.
Is WebP better than JPG?
For websites, lossy WebP is typically 25β34% smaller than a comparable JPG. For email, printing or editing, JPG is safer because every program supports it.
When should I use PNG instead of JPG?
Use PNG for screenshots, logos, icons, text and anything that needs a transparent background. Use JPG for photos.
Does converting JPG to PNG improve quality?
No. Converting cannot restore detail already lost by JPG compression; it only makes the file larger.
Can WebP have a transparent background?
Yes. WebP supports transparency in both lossy and lossless modes.