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PNG vs JPG

PNG vs JPG: Which Image Format Should You Use in 2026?

PNG vs JPG explained: lossless vs lossy compression, file size, transparency, when to use each, and how to convert in your browser.

Quick verdict

Use JPG for photographs (10–20× smaller files). Use PNG for screenshots, logos, transparency, or anywhere pixel-perfect detail matters.

PNG and JPG (JPEG) are the two most common image formats on the web. They were designed for different problems, and choosing the wrong one usually means either a huge file or a blurry image.

PNG uses lossless compression — every pixel is preserved exactly. It supports transparency. It's the right format for logos, screenshots, diagrams, and any image with sharp text or solid color blocks.

JPG uses lossy compression — it throws away visual information you're unlikely to notice. It produces dramatically smaller files for photographs. It does not support transparency.

Feature PNG JPG
Compression Lossless Lossy
Quality after re-saving Identical Degrades each save
Transparency Yes (alpha channel) No
Typical photo size (12 MP) ~15 MB ~3 MB
Typical logo size ~50 KB ~80 KB (worse)
Animation No (APNG rare) No
Browser support Universal Universal
Color depth 24-bit + alpha (or 48-bit) 24-bit
Best for Logos, screenshots, line art Photos, social media

Use PNG when

  • The image has transparency (logo on top of any background, app icon).
  • The image has sharp edges, text, or solid color blocks (screenshot, diagram, comic).
  • You will edit and re-save the image multiple times — PNG never loses quality.
  • File size doesn't matter (UI assets bundled in an app or website build pipeline).

Use JPG when

  • The image is a photograph (people, landscapes, food, anything with smooth color gradients).
  • You're uploading to social media, email, or any platform with a file size limit.
  • You're publishing many images and total page weight matters for SEO / Core Web Vitals.
  • You don't need transparency.

Convert between PNG and JPG in your browser

Convert PNG to JPG Convert JPG to PNG

FAQ

Does converting PNG to JPG lose quality?
Yes — JPG is lossy, so the conversion discards some visual data. For photos the difference is invisible at quality ≥ 90%. For sharp screenshots, text, or line art, the difference is visible (especially around edges) and you should keep the PNG.
Does JPG support transparency?
No. JPG has no alpha channel. If you convert a transparent PNG to JPG, the transparent parts become solid white (or whatever background you set). Use PNG or WEBP if you need transparency.
Why is my PNG so much bigger than the JPG?
PNG stores every pixel losslessly. A photo has millions of subtly different pixel values that PNG can't compress away — JPG can, by accepting tiny visual approximations the eye won't notice. Photo PNGs are typically 5–10× larger than equivalent JPGs.
Is PNG better than JPG for the web?
Not universally. PNG is better for logos, icons, and screenshots. JPG is better for photos. Using PNG for photos slows down your page load — Google's Core Web Vitals will penalize it.
Can I convert PNG to JPG without uploading?
Yes — our PNG to JPG converter runs entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. The file never leaves your device.

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