JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

2026-08-16

JPG, PNG and WebP are the three formats you will meet on the web every day. Picking the right one keeps your images sharp and your pages fast. Here is the practical version, without the jargon.

JPG (JPEG): best for photos

JPG uses "lossy" compression - it throws away detail your eye barely notices to make files small. That makes it ideal for photographs and complex images with lots of colours and gradients. The trade-off: it does not support transparency, and saving repeatedly degrades quality. Use JPG when you want the smallest file for a photo and do not need a transparent background.

PNG: best for graphics and transparency

PNG is "lossless" - it keeps every pixel exactly. It shines for logos, icons, screenshots, and anything with sharp edges or text, and it is the go-to when you need a transparent background. The downside is size: a PNG photo can be several times larger than the same JPG. Use PNG for graphics, not for large photographs.

WebP: the modern all-rounder

WebP, developed by Google, supports both lossy and lossless compression and transparency, usually producing files 25-35% smaller than JPG or PNG at similar quality. It is supported by every modern browser. Use WebP when you control the website and want maximum speed. The main caveat is that some older desktop software and a few platforms still do not accept WebP uploads, so keep a JPG or PNG copy for those.

Quick decision guide

Photo for the web where you own the site: WebP. Photo you need to upload somewhere or email: JPG. Logo, icon, screenshot, or anything needing transparency: PNG (or WebP if the destination accepts it).

How to convert between them

You can switch formats instantly and privately in your browser - nothing is uploaded. Try PNG to JPG, JPG to WebP, or WebP to JPG. If your goal is simply a smaller file, our reduce image size tool lets you hit an exact target like 500 KB or 1 MB.