JPG, PNG or WebP: which image format should you use?
A plain-language comparison of the three most common image formats, with advice for everyday tasks.
Updated · 4 min read
Most images you meet every day are JPG, PNG or WebP. Each one is good at different things, and choosing the right one can make a file several times smaller.
JPG (or JPEG)
JPG uses lossy compression designed for photographs. It gives small files with natural-looking results and is accepted by almost every website, form and app. It does not support transparency, and sharp text or flat colours can show faint artefacts.
PNG
PNG is lossless: every pixel is kept exactly. That makes it ideal for screenshots, diagrams, logos and anything with transparency, but photos saved as PNG are often 5 to 10 times larger than the same photo as JPG.
WebP
WebP is a newer format that supports both lossy and lossless compression and transparency. It is usually smaller than JPG at a similar quality and is supported by current browsers. Some older software and upload forms still reject it.
Quick advice
- Uploading a photo to a form: JPG.
- Screenshot with text: PNG.
- Logo or icon with a transparent background: PNG, or WebP for websites.
- Images for your own website: WebP, with JPG as a fallback if needed.
You can switch between these formats with Convert image, and make any of them smaller with Compress image.