Image Glossary

PNG vs JPG: which should you use?

PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats. PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency, which suits logos, screenshots, and graphics with text. JPG uses lossy compression for much smaller photo files but cannot store transparency. Use PNG for sharp graphics and JPG for photographs.

PNGLossless, transparency
JPGLossy, smaller photos
TransparencyPNG only

Choose PNG when

You have a logo, icon, screenshot, or any image with text, sharp edges, or a transparent background. PNG keeps edges crisp and preserves transparency.

Choose JPG when

You have a photograph and want a small file. JPG compresses photos to a fraction of a PNG's size with little visible change, which is why cameras and websites default to it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PNG or JPG better quality?

PNG is technically higher quality because it is lossless, but for photographs JPG looks nearly identical at a much smaller size.

Should I convert PNG to JPG?

Convert a photo saved as PNG to JPG to shrink it. Keep PNG for logos and anything with transparency.