JPG vs PNG: Which Format Should You Use?

Comparison of JPG and PNG formats

Choosing between JPG and PNG depends on what you're using the image for. Both formats have advantages and drawbacks. Let's explore when to use each.

What is JPG?

JPG (or JPEG) is a lossy compressed image format best for photographs and realistic images. It significantly reduces file size by sacrificing a bit of quality.

What is PNG?

PNG is a lossless image format that retains all data and supports transparency. It's ideal for logos, graphics, and images with text.

JPG Pros

  • Smaller file size
  • Faster loading on websites
  • Widely supported

JPG Cons

  • Lossy compression (can reduce quality)
  • No transparency support

PNG Pros

  • Lossless quality
  • Supports transparency
  • Great for sharp graphics/text

PNG Cons

  • Larger file sizes
  • Slower to load on web

When to Use JPG

Use JPG for photos, image galleries, or any image where small size and quick loading are priorities.

When to Use PNG

Use PNG for logos, charts, icons, and graphics that need transparency or sharp edges.

💡 Tip: Use CompressFast to reduce the size of both JPG and PNG images while keeping the quality.

Understand more about JPEG compression on Wikipedia.