Image formats · 5 min read
JPG vs PNG vs WebP
Choose a format by the job the image needs to do. File size, detail, transparency, and compatibility all matter.
JPEG (often written JPG), PNG, and WebP are common formats for images used on websites and in everyday files. They do not store pixels in the same way, so changing formats can change both file size and appearance. There is no single best format for every image.
| Format | Transparency | Compression | Often useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPEG | No | Lossy | Photographs and broad compatibility |
| PNG | Yes | Lossless | Logos, diagrams, screenshots, and sharp edges |
| WebP | Yes | Lossy or lossless | Web images where browser support is suitable |
JPEG: a practical choice for photographs
JPEG uses lossy compression. It can reduce photographic image data by simplifying details that are often less noticeable at normal viewing sizes. Lower quality settings usually produce smaller files, but can introduce visible blocks, ringing around edges, or loss of texture. JPEG does not support transparent pixels. If a transparent image is converted to JPEG, the transparent area must be replaced by a solid background color.
Use the image compressor to compare JPEG and WebP exports at different quality levels. Check the output at the size where it will actually be viewed.
PNG: transparency and clean edges
PNG uses lossless compression, which preserves the stored pixel values. It can keep transparent areas and works well for screenshots, interface captures, logos, and graphics with text or crisp lines. A photograph saved as PNG can be much larger than a comparable lossy export because PNG does not discard detail to shrink the file.
WebP: a flexible format for the web
WebP supports both lossy and lossless encoding, as well as transparency. For many images it can produce a smaller file than an equivalent JPEG or PNG, but the result depends on the source, encoder, and settings. It is supported by current mainstream browsers, but a project that targets older software or a specific publishing system should check that system’s format support before converting.
A quick way to choose
- For a photograph that must open almost everywhere, start with JPEG.
- For a transparent logo or sharp illustration, use PNG or WebP.
- For a website image, test WebP and compare the visual result and file size.
- Keep the original file when you may need to edit it again.
The LeapArc image converter exports JPEG, PNG, or WebP using your browser. The converter checks the returned format; if the browser cannot create the requested type, it reports an error instead of giving the file a misleading extension.