JPG vs PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
The complete comparison between JPEG and PNG — file size, quality, transparency, and when to pick each.
Use JPG When...
- You need small file sizes
- You're sharing photos
- File size matters more than perfect quality
- Uploading to social media or web
Use PNG When...
- You need transparency
- Your image has text or sharp lines
- Quality cannot be compromised
- Creating logos, screenshots, or graphics
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | JPG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | Small (lossy compression) | Large (lossless compression) |
| Quality | Good, some loss at high compression | Perfect, no quality loss |
| Transparency | ✗ No | ✓ Yes (alpha channel) |
| Colors | 16.7 million | 16.7 million |
| Best for | Photos, complex images | Graphics, text, logos, screenshots |
| Web compatibility | Universal | Universal |
| Good at 300 DPI | Excellent | |
| Editable layers | No | No |
Quick Decision Guide
- Photography portfolio? → JPG (smaller files, good quality)
- Logo with transparent background? → PNG (alpha channel)
- Website screenshot? → PNG (sharp text, no artifacts)
- Email attachment? → JPG (smaller = faster to send)
- Printing at high quality? → PNG (lossless) or high-quality JPG
- Social media post? → JPG (platforms compress anyway)