PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Choosing the right image format can make a big difference in file size, quality, and compatibility. Here's a straightforward guide to help you pick the best format for your needs.

Quick Answer

JPG - Best for photographs and complex images

PNG - Best for screenshots, logos, and images with text

WebP - Best for web use when you want smaller files

Now let's understand why.

JPG (JPEG)

JPG uses lossy compression, which means it discards some image data to achieve smaller file sizes. You won't notice the loss in most photographs, but it can cause problems with certain types of images.

Use JPG for:
• Photographs
• Complex images with many colours
• Social media posts
• Any image where file size matters more than perfect quality

Avoid JPG for:
• Screenshots with text
• Logos and graphics
• Images with sharp edges
• Images you'll edit multiple times (quality degrades with each save)

Typical file size: Small to medium

PNG

PNG uses lossless compression, meaning no quality is lost. It also supports transparency, making it essential for certain use cases.

Use PNG for:
• Screenshots and UI captures
• Logos and icons
• Images with text
• Graphics with sharp edges
• Images needing transparent backgrounds
• Images you'll edit repeatedly

Avoid PNG for:
• Photographs (file sizes will be huge)
• Web pages where loading speed is critical

Typical file size: Medium to large

WebP

WebP is a modern format developed by Google. It offers both lossy and lossless compression, and typically produces smaller files than both JPG and PNG while maintaining quality.

Use WebP for:
• Web pages (smaller files = faster loading)
• Any situation where you'd use JPG or PNG

Avoid WebP for:
• Sharing with people who might have older software
• Situations requiring maximum compatibility

Browser support: 95%+ of browsers now support WebP, but some older systems don't.

Typical file size: Smallest

Side-by-Side Comparison

*PNG doesn't support animation, but APNG (Animated PNG) does.

Real-World Examples

Sharing a Screenshot

You've taken a screenshot of an error message to send to tech support.

Best choice: PNG

Why: Screenshots have text and sharp edges. JPG compression would blur the text, making it harder to read.

Posting a Holiday Photo

You want to share a photo from your trip.

Best choice: JPG

Why: Photographs have millions of subtle colour variations. PNG would create an unnecessarily large file, while JPG compression is virtually invisible in photos.

Uploading to a Website

You're adding product images to an e-commerce site.

Best choice: WebP (with JPG fallback)

Why: WebP provides the smallest file size with good quality, meaning faster page loads. Include JPG versions for older browsers.

Creating a Logo

You're saving a logo to use across different backgrounds.

Best choice: PNG

Why: You need transparency, and logos typically have sharp edges and limited colours that PNG handles perfectly.

How to Convert Between Formats

Online Tools

Upload to an image host like imgland, or use online converters. Many will let you download in different formats.

Desktop Software

GIMP (free) - File > Export As, then choose format

Photoshop - File > Save As or Export

Preview (Mac) - File > Export, choose format

Command Line

Using ImageMagick:

convert input.png output.jpg
convert input.jpg output.webp

File Size Impact

Here's a rough comparison of the same image saved in different formats:

Exact sizes vary based on image content, but this gives you an idea of the differences.

The Bottom Line

Taking a screenshot? Use PNG

Sharing a photo? Use JPG

Building a website? Use WebP

Need transparency? Use PNG or WebP

Not sure? PNG is the safe choice - it preserves quality and you can always convert later

Ready to share your images? Upload to imgland - we accept PNG, JPG, WebP, and more.