PNG or JPG: choose a format for the image
Compare photographs, screenshots, and transparent graphics before converting.
Choose a format by looking at the image and where it will be used. There is no rule that JPG is always smaller or PNG is always better. Both the visual detail and the export settings affect the result.
What each format preserves
PNG uses lossless compression, which keeps the decoded pixels intact. It supports transparency and works well for graphics with clean edges. JPG uses lossy compression to reduce the amount of data stored. It is often a useful choice for photographs, where small losses can be difficult to notice at normal viewing sizes.
| Image | Starting choice | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Photograph | JPG | Fine detail and visible compression |
| Transparent logo | PNG | Background stays transparent |
| Screenshot with small text | PNG | Text remains sharp |
| Large photo saved as PNG | Compare a JPG copy | Actual file size and appearance |
Transparency changes the decision
A transparent PNG logo can be placed on backgrounds of different colors. JPG cannot preserve those transparent areas. Our converter uses white, so the resulting logo will have a white background. If that is unsuitable for the destination, keep PNG rather than converting simply to obtain a JPG extension.
Compare a real export
- Keep the original file.
- Make a copy with the PNG-to-JPG converter.
- Compare the file sizes on your device.
- Inspect small lettering, edges, and areas of fine texture at 100% scale.
- Check the copy at its intended display size as well.
A larger JPG is possible for a simple icon with a small color palette. A smaller JPG is not necessarily better if it makes a diagram difficult to read. Use a format that serves the reader, rather than targeting the smallest possible number of bytes.
Avoid repeated conversions
Saving an already compressed JPG as another JPG can add further loss. Edit from the original whenever possible and export a final copy once. If you also need smaller dimensions, use the resizer to create the final JPG directly from your source.
Questions or corrections? Contact RecipesTour Tools.