When JPG is the better choice
JPG uses lossy compression, making it particularly effective for photographs and other continuous-tone images. A properly compressed JPG can be dramatically smaller than an uncompressed or losslessly compressed alternative.
When PNG wins
PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency. It is often a better fit for logos, interface graphics, screenshots with text, diagrams and illustrations where crisp edges matter.
What about quality?
JPG quality is a practical compromise: higher quality generally means a larger file, while very low quality can introduce visible artifacts. PNG preserves the source pixels, but that does not mean every PNG will be small.
Simple rule
- Photo or camera image → usually JPG.
- Logo, screenshot, diagram or transparency → usually PNG.
- Website delivery → consider WebP where appropriate.
Need to convert formats? Browse SmartToolz image tools →
Want the quick how-to?
Follow the dedicated step-by-step guide for this topic and get started in minutes.