PNG vs JPG: What's the Difference
PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats on the web. They use different compression methods, which makes each better for specific use cases. Choosing the wrong format can mean larger file sizes or lower image quality.
The Key Difference: Lossy vs Lossless
JPG (or JPEG) uses lossy compression. It discards some image data to reduce file size. Every time you save a JPG, you lose a bit more quality. This is fine for photos but bad for text, logos, or graphics with sharp edges.
PNG uses lossless compression. It preserves all image data. The file size is larger, but the quality stays perfect no matter how many times you save it. PNG also supports transparency, which JPG does not.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | PNG | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes (alpha channel) | No |
| File size | Larger | Smaller |
| Best for | Logos, icons, screenshots, graphics | Photos, web images |
| Quality on re-save | No degradation | Degrades each time |
When to Use PNG
- Logos and icons — Sharp edges stay crisp, transparency works for any background
- Screenshots — Text and UI elements remain readable
- Graphics with transparency — Any image that needs a transparent background
- Images with text — Text stays sharp without compression artifacts
When to Use JPG
- Photographs — Natural images where small quality loss is acceptable
- Web backgrounds — Smaller file sizes mean faster loading
- Email attachments — Reduced file size for easier sharing
- Images without transparency — When you don't need a transparent background
What Happens When You Convert PNG to JPG
When you convert a PNG to JPG, two things happen:
- Transparency is lost. Any transparent areas become solid white (or the background color you choose).
- File size decreases. Lossy compression can reduce file size by 50-90%, depending on the quality setting.
This is useful when you have a PNG photo that doesn't need transparency and you want a smaller file for web or email.
Convert PNG to JPG Now
Reduce image file size instantly. Free, private, runs in your browser.
Use PNG to JPG ConverterCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Saving a logo as JPG — You'll get compression artifacts around edges and lose transparency
- Re-saving JPGs multiple times — Each save degrades quality further
- Using PNG for photos — File sizes will be unnecessarily large
- Converting JPG to PNG for "better quality" — You can't recover lost quality; you just get a larger file