JPG vs PNG: Differences and When to Convert
JPG and PNG are the two most common image formats — but they serve very different purposes. Here's when to use each and how to convert between them.
The fundamental difference
JPG (also called JPEG) uses lossy compression. It throws away some image data to achieve smaller file sizes. Every time you edit and re-save a JPG, a little more quality is lost.
PNG uses lossless compression. No data is ever discarded, so the image stays pixel-perfect no matter how many times you save it. The trade-off is larger file sizes.
When to use JPG
JPG is the right format for photographs and complex images with millions of colours and smooth gradients. It excels at:
- Photos: Camera shots, portraits, landscapes, product photography. JPG compresses these efficiently with minimal visible quality loss.
- Email and messaging: Smaller files mean faster sending and fewer size-limit rejections.
- Social media: Every platform accepts JPG. Most will re-compress your image anyway, so starting from a JPG is fine.
- Web pages:When you don't need transparency and want the smallest possible file for fast page loads.
When to use PNG
PNG is the right format for graphics, screenshots, and anything with transparency. It excels at:
- Logos and icons: Sharp edges and flat colours compress well in PNG and stay crisp at any zoom level.
- Screenshots: Text and UI elements look noticeably worse in JPG due to compression artefacts around sharp edges. PNG keeps them pixel-perfect.
- Transparent backgrounds:PNG supports an alpha channel. JPG does not — transparent areas become white.
- Editing workflows: If you plan to edit the image further, PNG preserves full quality between saves.
JPG vs PNG at a glance
| Feature | JPG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| File size (photo) | Small (100–500 KB) | Large (1–10 MB) |
| Transparency | No | Yes (alpha channel) |
| Best for | Photos, sharing | Graphics, screenshots, editing |
| Re-save quality loss | Yes (cumulative) | None |
| Compatibility | Universal | Universal |
Converting between JPG and PNG
Converting JPG to PNG is useful when you need to edit a photo without further quality loss, or when you want to add transparency. Keep in mind that converting from JPG to PNG won't recover quality that was already lost during JPG compression — it just prevents further degradation.
Converting PNG to JPG is useful when you need a smaller file for sharing or uploading. Be aware that transparent areas will be replaced with a white background, since JPG doesn't support transparency.
FlipFiles handles both conversions entirely in your browser — your files never leave your device.
What about WebP?
WebP is a newer format that offers smaller file sizes than both JPG and PNG while supporting transparency. If you're publishing images on the web, WebP is often the best choice. However, JPG and PNG remain essential for compatibility with desktop applications, print workflows, and platforms that don't accept WebP.
For a deeper comparison of all modern formats, see our full image format comparison.