Images
PNG vs JPG: When to Use Each Format
PNG and JPG are the two most common image formats, and picking the wrong one leads to bloated files or fuzzy graphics. Here is the simple rule for choosing between them.
The core difference
JPG is lossy and has no transparency; PNG is lossless and supports transparency. That single sentence drives almost every decision. JPG throws away a little detail to make photos small; PNG keeps every pixel exactly, which is perfect for graphics but heavy for photos.
Use JPG for photographs
Photos have smooth gradients and millions of colours, exactly the kind of content JPG compresses well. A photo saved as JPG will be a fraction of the size of the same image as PNG, with no meaningful quality difference at sensible settings. For camera and phone photos, JPG is almost always the right call.
Use PNG for graphics, text, and transparency
PNG shines with sharp edges, flat colours, and text - think logos, icons, diagrams, and UI screenshots. Because it is lossless, lines stay crisp and text stays legible. And when you need a transparent background, PNG is the standard choice since JPG simply cannot do it.
Common mistakes to avoid
Two mistakes cause most problems:
- Saving photos as PNG: creates needlessly huge files with no quality benefit.
- Saving logos or screenshots as JPG: introduces blurry artefacts around text and edges.
- Re-saving JPGs repeatedly: each save loses a little more quality - keep an original.