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You have an image and a choice to make: save it as PNG or as JPG. Both formats open on every phone and computer, but they behave very differently. Pick the wrong one and you end up with a blurry screenshot, or a photo that is several times bigger than it needs to be.
This guide explains what actually changes between the two formats and ends with a simple rule you can apply in a few seconds.
The short answer
- Photographs: use JPG. The files are much smaller and the quality loss is hard to see.
- Screenshots, logos, icons and text: use PNG. Edges stay sharp and nothing is blurred.
- Anything with a transparent background: use PNG. JPG cannot store transparency.
How PNG works
PNG is a lossless format. When you save an image as PNG, every pixel is kept exactly as it was, and the file is compressed in a way that can be fully reversed. Open it, edit it, save it again, and the image does not get any worse.
PNG also supports transparency, so a logo can sit on any background without a white box around it. The price is file size. A photo saved as PNG is usually several times larger than the same photo saved as JPG.
How JPG works
JPG (also written JPEG) is a lossy format. It throws away fine detail that the human eye rarely notices, such as tiny color differences in a blue sky, and uses the saved space to make the file much smaller. You can choose how aggressive the compression is: more compression means a smaller file and a bit less quality.
JPG does not support transparency, and it does not handle sharp edges and text as well as PNG. Around letters and thin lines you may see faint blur or noise, especially at higher compression.
PNG vs JPG at a glance
| Feature | PNG | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| File size for photos | Large | Small |
| Sharp text and lines | Excellent | Can blur |
| Quality after repeated saving | Stays the same | Drops a little each time |
| Best for | Screenshots, logos, graphics, editing | Photos, email, web uploads |
When PNG is the better choice
- Screenshots of apps, websites or documents, where text must stay crisp.
- Logos, icons and illustrations with flat colors.
- Images with transparent or see-through areas.
- Files you will edit several times, because PNG will not lose quality between saves.
When JPG is the better choice
- Photos from a phone or camera.
- Images you want to email or upload to a form with a size limit.
- Pictures on web pages where loading speed matters.
- Any case where a platform specifically asks for a JPG.
The mistake that costs quality
Many people convert a JPG to PNG hoping to improve the image. It does not work that way. A JPG has already lost detail, and a PNG made from it only preserves what is left. The file gets bigger, the picture stays the same.
The opposite mistake is re-saving a JPG again and again. Each save compresses the image once more, and the damage adds up. If you plan to edit an image several times, keep a PNG as your working copy and export a JPG only at the end.
How to convert between PNG and JPG
If a website rejects your file or an image is bigger than it should be, you can switch formats in a few seconds:
- Convert PNG to JPG to shrink photos and screenshots for email and uploads. Transparent areas are filled with a solid color, so check logos afterwards.
- Convert JPG to PNG when an editor or platform asks for PNG.
What about WebP and AVIF?
Newer formats such as WebP and AVIF can beat both PNG and JPG on file size, but they are less widely supported in editors and upload forms. If you build websites, read our guide to WebP vs JPG vs AVIF.
Frequently asked questions
Is PNG higher quality than JPG?
PNG keeps every pixel exactly as it is, so it is technically lossless. That does not mean it looks better. For a photograph, a good-quality JPG looks almost identical to the PNG at a fraction of the size.
Which format is better for a website?
Use JPG for photos and PNG for logos, icons and screenshots. If page speed is a priority, WebP or AVIF are even smaller, as long as your audience's browsers support them.
Which format should I use for printing?
For photos, a high-quality JPG is fine for most home and shop printing. If the image will be edited or sent to a professional printer, ask what they prefer. Many print workflows use TIFF or PDF.
Why does my PNG have a white background after converting to JPG?
JPG cannot store transparency, so transparent areas must be filled with a solid color when you convert. If you need to keep the transparent background, stay with PNG.
Need to switch formats right now? Use the PNG to JPG converter or the JPG to PNG converter. Both are free, with no sign-up and no watermark.