Choosing the wrong image format means larger files or unnecessary quality loss. Here's a practical guide to JPEG, PNG, and WebP so you always use the right format.
Quick Decision Guide
- → Photo for web: WebP (if supported) or JPEG
- → Logo, icon, graphic with text: PNG or SVG
- → Image with transparent background: PNG or WebP
- → Photo for email: JPEG
- → Photo for printing: JPEG at high quality or TIFF
JPEG — Best for Photos
JPEG (JPG) uses lossy compression optimized for photographs. Works by averaging out similar colors in small blocks. Bad for graphics with sharp edges (creates blocky artifacts). Good for photos where subtle color variation is natural.
- Compression: Very good (lossy)
- Transparency: Not supported
- Browser support: Universal
PNG — Best for Graphics
PNG uses lossless compression. Perfect for graphics, logos, screenshots, and anything with text or sharp edges. Supports full transparency (alpha channel). Larger files than JPEG for photos.
- Compression: Good (lossless)
- Transparency: Full alpha channel
- Browser support: Universal
WebP — Best for Web
Google's modern format. 25-35% smaller than JPEG at same quality. Supports both lossy and lossless compression. Supports transparency. Now supported in all major browsers including Safari (since 2020).
- Compression: Excellent (lossy + lossless)
- Transparency: Supported
- Browser support: All modern browsers
Convert Between Formats
Use FileCurve's free converters: JPG to WebP, PNG to WebP, PNG to JPG, WebP to JPG.