Compare
JPEG vs PNG
JPEG commonly uses lossy compression and suits many photographs, while PNG preserves pixel values losslessly and supports transparency. The choice depends on image content, editing needs, and the destination's requirements.
Which format should you choose?
Consider JPEG for photographs when smaller files matter and transparency is unnecessary; use PNG for transparency, sharp-edged graphics, or lossless exports.
Good fit for JPEG
Photographs · Web images
- Photographs intended for compact sharing
- Images with many colors
Good fit for PNG
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
- Images requiring transparency
- Text and line art
Basic information
| Field | JPEG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .jpg, .jpeg | .png |
| MIME type | image/jpeg | image/png |
| Common uses | Photographs · Web images | UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images |
| How to open | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open JPEG files. | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files. |
| Export or convert | Exporting JPEG to PNG or WebP cannot restore data already removed by JPEG compression. Keep an original editing file, and use a proper export command rather than changing only the filename extension. | Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension. |
Choose by use case
Photographs intended for compact sharing
Photographs · Web images
JPEGImages with many colors
Photographs · Web images
JPEGImages requiring transparency
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGText and line art
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGKey point 1
JPEG is lossy and can create artifacts around text or sharp edges.
More on the differencesKey point 2
PNG is lossless and supports alpha transparency.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Export from the original source where possible. Compare the actual image at its intended size, inspect transparency and edge detail, and follow requirements for the receiving application or service.
- JPEG is often efficient for photographs with gradual tones.
- PNG is useful for interface graphics, screenshots, and transparent assets.
- Neither format guarantees a smaller file for every kind of image.
Frequently asked questions
Should every image be saved as PNG?
No. PNG can be larger for photographs; choose based on content, transparency, and quality needs.