JPG vs PNG vs WEBP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
A plain-English guide to JPG, PNG, and WEBP: when to use each for the best balance of quality and file size, plus free tools to convert between them.
JPG, PNG, WEBP: every image you save asks you to pick one, and the choice affects how sharp your image looks and how fast your page loads. Here's how to choose the right format every time, in plain English.
JPG (JPEG): best for photographs
JPG uses lossy compression: it throws away some data to make files small, and you control how much. For photographs and complex images with lots of colours and gradients, that trade-off is almost invisible to the eye and the file savings are huge. The catch: JPG does not support transparency, and repeatedly re-saving a JPG degrades it. Use JPG for photos, hero images, and thumbnails where a transparent background isn't needed.
PNG: best for graphics and transparency
PNG uses lossless compression, so it preserves every pixel exactly. That makes it ideal for logos, icons, screenshots, line art, and anything with sharp edges or text. PNG also supports transparency, which is why it's the go-to for graphics that need to sit on top of a coloured background. The downside is file size: a PNG photograph can be several times larger than the same image as a JPG.
WEBP: the modern all-rounder
WEBP is a newer format from Google that supports both lossy and lossless compression and transparency, often producing files 25–35% smaller than an equivalent JPG or PNG at similar quality. For the web, WEBP is usually the best choice for both photos and graphics, and it's now supported by every modern browser. Use WEBP as your default for website images to improve Core Web Vitals and page speed.
Quick decision guide
- Photograph for the web? WEBP first, JPG as a fallback.
- Logo, icon, or anything with transparency? PNG, or WEBP if you want it smaller.
- Sending a photo to someone who needs maximum compatibility? JPG.
- Screenshot with text? PNG keeps the text crisp.
How to convert between them, free and private
You don't need software. Our browser-based image tools convert in seconds, and your images never leave your device:
- JPG to PNG: when you need transparency or a lossless copy.
- PNG to JPG: to shrink a large PNG photo.
- JPG to WEBP: to make web photos lighter.
- WEBP to PNG: for tools that don't accept WEBP yet.
And if your file is simply too big, the Image Compressor lets you dial in the quality and watch the file size drop (here's how to compress without losing quality), while the Image Resizer sets exact pixel dimensions. Browse them all on the image tools page.
The bottom line
Use WEBP for the web by default, PNG when you need transparency or pixel-perfect text, and JPG for maximum compatibility with photos. Match the format to the job and you get sharp images and fast pages, the best of both.