JPG vs PNG vs WebP: which image format to use and when
The right format saves space without hurting quality. The three most common web formats each have a job.
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Lossy | No | Photographs |
| PNG | Lossless | Yes | Logos, screenshots, graphics with text |
| WebP | Lossy or lossless | Yes | Websites that want smaller files |
Choosing quickly
- Photo for email, forms or print: JPG.
- Logo, icon or screenshot with sharp edges: PNG.
- Image on your own website: WebP, which is supported by all current major browsers and is usually smaller than JPG or PNG at similar quality.
What converting does
- PNG to JPG makes photos much smaller but removes transparency. Transparent areas become a solid colour, usually white.
- JPG to PNG does not restore lost detail. The file often gets larger with no visible gain.
- Any format to WebP usually reduces size. Check that the system you upload to accepts WebP, because some older forms and apps still do not.
Keep your original file whenever you can, since each lossy conversion discards some data. Convert between JPG, PNG and WebP below, right in your browser.
Skip the maths, try your own numbersImage ConverterFree, instant, no sign-up →How each format compresses
JPG breaks the image into blocks and discards detail the eye is less likely to notice. It is great for photographs and smooth gradients but creates artefacts around sharp edges and text. PNG stores every pixel exactly, so it is crisp but heavy for photos. WebP, developed by Google, offers both lossy and lossless modes plus transparency and animation, and usually produces smaller files than JPG or PNG.
Detailed comparison
| Feature | JPG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lossy compression | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lossless compression | No | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | No | No (APNG exists) | Yes |
| Photos | Excellent | Large files | Excellent, smaller |
| Text and logos | Artefacts | Excellent | Good in lossless mode |
| Compatibility | Universal | Universal | All current browsers, some older apps lack it |
What about GIF, SVG and AVIF?
- GIF: limited to 256 colours. Fine for simple animations, but a video or WebP is smaller.
- SVG: a vector format for logos and icons. It scales to any size and is often tiny.
- AVIF: newer and often smaller than WebP, with growing support, but slower to encode.
Which format for which job?
| Job | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Photo in email or print | JPG |
| Logo with transparent background | PNG or SVG |
| Screenshot with text | PNG |
| Website photos | WebP, with JPG as a fallback if needed |
| Icon set | SVG |
| Upload form that says JPG only | JPG |
Images and website speed
Images are often the largest files on a web page, so they affect loading time and Core Web Vitals, which feed into search ranking signals. Use modern formats, set the right dimensions, compress sensibly and lazy-load images below the fold. A 3,000-pixel photo displayed at 600 pixels wastes bandwidth.
Quality settings that work
For JPG and lossy WebP, a quality of about 75 to 85 is a good balance for web photos. Test a few values and compare file size and appearance. Do not repeatedly re-save a lossy file, because each save adds artefacts.
Do not forget alt text and file names
Name files descriptively, such as blue-running-shoes.webp, and add alt text describing the image. This helps accessibility and image search.
Converting safely
Keep the original file and convert a copy. Converting JPG to PNG will not restore lost detail, and converting PNG with transparency to JPG replaces transparent areas with a solid colour. The converter below runs in your browser and does not upload your files.
Troubleshooting: common problems and fixes
- WebP is rejected. The system may not support it. Convert to JPG or PNG.
- PNG is too big. Use JPG for photos, or reduce dimensions and colours for graphics.
- JPG shows halos around text. Use PNG or WebP lossless for text and sharp edges.
- Transparency turned white. The target format has no transparency. Use PNG or WebP.
- Quality drops after many saves. Avoid re-saving lossy files. Edit from the original.
Is the converter private?
Conversion happens in your browser, so images are not uploaded. Keep your original file and convert a copy. Format support changes over time, so check the requirements of the site or app you upload to.
More free Zyphub tools you may need
- Image Converter: JPG, PNG and WebP.
- Exact KB Image Compressor: Compress an image to an exact KB size.
- HEIC to JPG Converter: Convert iPhone photos to JPG.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than JPG?
For websites, usually yes. WebP files are typically smaller at similar quality, and it is supported by all current major browsers. JPG remains the safest choice for compatibility.
When should I use PNG?
Use PNG for logos, screenshots, graphics with text and anything needing lossless quality or transparency.
Does converting JPG to PNG improve quality?
No. It cannot restore detail already lost, and the file usually becomes larger.
Which image format is best for SEO?
Use a format that gives small files at good quality, such as WebP or optimised JPG, with proper dimensions, descriptive file names and alt text.
Will transparency survive when I convert to JPG?
No. JPG has no transparency, so transparent areas become a solid colour, often white.
Which is smaller, JPG or WebP?
WebP is usually smaller at similar quality, though results vary by image.
Can I use WebP on any website?
All current major browsers support WebP. Some older apps and forms do not.