JPG vs PNG vs WebP: which image format should you use?
A clear comparison of JPG, PNG and WebP — compression, transparency, quality and compatibility — with practical recommendations.
Quick answer
Use JPG for photos, PNG for screenshots, logos and anything needing transparency or sharp edges, and WebP for websites when you want the smallest files. Convert between them with the Image Converter.
| JPG | PNG | WebP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Lossy or lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Photos | Graphics, text, screenshots | Web images of all kinds |
| Typical size (photo) | Medium | Large | Smallest |
| Compatibility | Universal | Universal | All modern browsers; some older apps and upload portals don't accept it |
Common conversions
- PNG to JPG — shrink screenshots several times; choose a background colour for transparent areas.
- JPG to PNG — when software insists on PNG. It won't improve quality.
- JPG to WebP and PNG to WebP — faster web pages.
- WebP to JPG — open images saved from websites in older apps.
A note on quality
Converting a JPG to PNG preserves the image exactly as it is now, artefacts included. Lost detail can't be restored by changing format.