JPG, PNG or WebP: which image format should you use?
A plain explanation of the three common formats and when each one is the right choice.
Picking the right format can make an image several times smaller, or keep text and logos crisp. Here's how the three most common formats differ.
JPG (or JPEG)
Made for photographs. It throws away detail you're unlikely to notice, which keeps files small. It doesn't support transparency, and repeated editing and saving slowly lowers the quality. Use it for photos you share or publish.
PNG
Lossless: every pixel is kept exactly. That makes it ideal for screenshots, diagrams, logos and anything with text or sharp edges, and it supports transparent backgrounds. The downside is size: a photo saved as PNG can be five to ten times larger than the same photo as JPG.
WebP
A newer format that can work both ways (lossy like JPG or lossless like PNG) and usually produces smaller files than either at similar quality. All current browsers support it, which makes it a great choice for websites. Some older programs and printers still don't open it.
Quick rules
- Photo to share or print: JPG.
- Screenshot, logo or anything with transparency: PNG.
- Images for a website: WebP.
You can switch between them with Convert images, which runs entirely in your browser.