PNG keeps every pixel exactly and supports transparency, which makes it ideal for graphics, screenshots and text. JPG throws away fine detail to make files much smaller, which makes it ideal for photographs.
A good rule: photo, use JPG. Anything with sharp edges, text or transparency, use PNG.
On this page
Key takeaways
- PNG is lossless. JPG is lossy.
- Photos are far smaller as JPG; flat graphics are often similar in size or smaller as PNG.
- Only PNG supports transparency.
- Repeatedly saving a JPG loses a little more detail each time, while PNG does not.
PNG and JPG side by side
| PNG | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| File size for photos | Large | Small |
| File size for flat graphics | Small to moderate | Moderate, with artifacts |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Text and sharp lines | Crisp | Slight speckling |
| Repeated editing | No degradation | Gradual degradation |
| Typical use | Logos, screenshots, diagrams | Photographs, web images |
| Support | Everywhere | Everywhere |
Why they behave differently
PNG stores the picture exactly, using compression that can be fully reversed. It works best when large areas share a color, as in a screenshot or logo. JPG divides the image into small blocks and simplifies them, discarding detail the eye notices least. That is perfect for the gradual shading of a photograph, and noticeable around hard edges.
Choose PNG when
- The image has text, thin lines or flat color areas.
- You need transparency, such as a logo on varying backgrounds.
- You will edit the file again and want no cumulative loss.
- You are saving a screenshot or a chart.
Choose JPG when
- The image is a photograph.
- File size matters, for email, uploads and web pages.
- A slight softening at edges is acceptable.
- The platform you are using accepts only JPG.
Switching between them
Going from PNG to JPG saves space, but transparent areas become white and fine detail is simplified: use PNG to JPG. Going from JPG to PNG does not restore anything the JPG lost and often makes the file bigger, as explained in does JPG to PNG improve quality. For the conversion steps, see how to convert PNG to JPG.
Examples
| Picture | Better format | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday photo | JPG | Smooth tones compress well |
| Screenshot of a website | PNG | Text and lines stay crisp |
| Company logo | PNG or SVG | Flat colors and possible transparency |
| Product photo for a shop | JPG | Small files load faster |
| Chart exported from a spreadsheet | PNG | Sharp lines and flat fills |
| Image you will edit repeatedly | PNG | No loss on each save |
PNG vs JPG: FAQ
Which is better, PNG or JPG?
PNG for graphics, text and transparency; JPG for photographs.
Which has the smaller file?
JPG for photos. For flat graphics, PNG can be as small or smaller.
Does PNG have better quality?
PNG keeps every pixel exactly. JPG discards some detail.
Can JPG be transparent?
No. Use PNG or WebP for transparency.
Why does text look worse in JPG?
Compression creates faint speckles around sharp edges.
Is JPG the same as JPEG?
Yes. JPG and JPEG are the same format.
Which is best for websites?
JPG for photos, PNG for graphics, and WebP for smaller files overall.
Does converting PNG to JPG always shrink the file?
Not always. Flat graphics may not shrink.
Can I convert between PNG and JPG without losing anything?
PNG to JPG always loses some detail because JPG is lossy. JPG to PNG loses nothing further, but it also cannot bring back what the JPG already discarded.
Which format should I use for printing?
Print shops usually accept both. Use PNG or a high-quality JPG at the size you need, and check the pixel dimensions rather than the format.
Match the format to the picture
Photographs belong in JPG, graphics and screenshots in PNG, and anything transparent in PNG or WebP.
