PNG vs. JPEG vs. WebP: The Differences and How to Choose

When working with images on the web, it is easy to wonder whether to save as PNG, JPEG, or WebP. They differ in compression and transparency support, and each has strengths for photos or graphics. This guide sorts out their characteristics and how to choose.

PNG: lossless with transparency

PNG uses lossless compression, so saving does not degrade quality. It supports transparency (an alpha channel), letting you create images with a see-through background. It suits logos, icons, diagrams, screenshots, and anything where text should stay crisp. The downside is that complex images like photos tend to produce large files.

JPEG: lossy, built for photos

JPEG uses lossy compression, discarding detail people are unlikely to notice to shrink files. It compresses colorful photos effectively, but degradation accumulates each time you re-save, and text or sharp edges tend to blur. It cannot do transparency. It is the go-to format for publishing photos.

WebP: a newer format that does both

WebP supports both lossy and lossless modes and handles transparency. At comparable quality it is often smaller than JPEG or PNG, which helps page speed. It is widely supported in major browsers and is a strong default for many uses. Still, some older environments or apps may not handle it, so consider your audience.

Which should you pick? (rules of thumb)

• Photos → JPEG or WebP (WebP if size matters)
• Logos, icons, diagrams, screenshots, or transparency → PNG (lossless WebP also works if size matters)
• Prioritizing page speed and your audience supports it → WebP
• Maximum compatibility (older environments) → JPEG for photos, PNG for transparency

Convert formats with the image converter and shrink files with the image compressor — both run in your browser, and images are never uploaded. Combine with cropping and resizing to produce the perfect image for your use.