JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Choosing an image format can look like a small detail, but it changes how big the file is, how sharp it looks, and whether a page loads quickly. Use the wrong one and a simple logo can look blurry, or a photo can weigh far more than it needs to.
This guide compares the formats you will use most and shows how to pick the right one for photos, logos, screenshots and websites.
Lossy and lossless: the key idea
Image formats fall into two groups. Lossy formats, such as JPG, remove some detail to make the file smaller. Lossless formats, such as PNG, keep every pixel exactly as it was. Some formats, like WebP, can do both.
The main image formats
JPG (or JPEG)
The standard format for photos. It gives small files and works everywhere, but it does not support transparency, and quality drops if you save the same file many times.
PNG
A lossless format that supports transparency. It is ideal for logos, icons, screenshots and images with text, but photos saved as PNG can be very large.
WebP
A modern format that supports lossy and lossless compression, transparency and animation. WebP files are often noticeably smaller than JPG or PNG at similar quality, and modern browsers support it.
GIF
Best known for simple animations. It is limited to 256 colours, so photos look flat, and modern formats usually do a better job.
SVG
A vector format made of shapes instead of pixels, so it stays sharp at any size. It suits logos and simple icons, but not photos.
Image formats at a glance
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Lossy | No | Photos and general images |
| PNG | Lossless | Yes | Logos, screenshots, text |
| WebP | Lossy or lossless | Yes | Websites that need small files |
| GIF | Lossless, 256 colours | Yes (simple) | Short, simple animations |
| SVG | Vector | Yes | Logos and icons |
Which format should you choose?
- Photos for a website: WebP, with JPG as a fallback.
- A logo with a transparent background: SVG, or PNG if SVG is not accepted.
- A screenshot or an image with text: PNG, so text stays sharp.
- An image to send by email: JPG, for a small file that anyone can open.
- A favicon for your site: ICO or PNG.
- A short animation: WebP or a short video, instead of a large GIF.
Common mistakes
- Saving a JPG again and again. Each save loses a little quality, so keep the original.
- Converting JPG to PNG to "improve" it. It cannot bring back lost detail, and the file just gets bigger.
- Converting PNG to JPG for a logo. You lose transparency, and the transparent area becomes white.
- Uploading very large images to a website. Resize them to the size you need first, so pages load faster.
Convert and resize images for free
You can switch between formats in your browser with our Image Converter. If an image is too small for your needs, the Image Size Enhancer can make it larger, though a sharp original always gives the best result. Only use images that you own or have permission to use.
Working with video instead? See our guide to MP4, WebM and MP3 formats.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than JPG?
WebP often produces smaller files at similar quality and supports transparency, but JPG is accepted by more older programs. Modern browsers support both.
Which format is best for photos?
JPG or WebP. Both keep photos looking good at small file sizes.
Why is my PNG so large?
PNG keeps every pixel, which is great for logos and text but heavy for photos. Convert photos to JPG or WebP to reduce the size.
Does converting an image reduce quality?
Converting to a lossless format keeps quality, while converting to a lossy format such as JPG removes a little detail. Always keep your original.
Which format supports transparency?
PNG, WebP, GIF and SVG all support transparency. JPG does not.
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