PNG vs JPEG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
imgmend Team
AI Image Tools
PNG is lossless and supports transparency; JPEG is smaller and best for photos. Here is when to use each, how they compare for file size and print, and how to convert between them.
Use JPEG for photos and anything you want small, and PNG for graphics, screenshots, logos and images that need a transparent background. PNG keeps every pixel exactly but makes larger files; JPEG discards some detail to shrink the file.
| PNG | JPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Photo file size | Large | Small |
| Best for | Logos, screenshots, graphics, cutouts | Photos, web pages, sharing |
| Quality on re-saving | Unchanged | Drops each time |
Which Has Higher Quality?
PNG has higher fidelity, because it does not throw away any information. For a photo, a high-quality JPEG looks almost identical on screen at a fraction of the size, so PNG's extra size rarely pays off. For sharp edges, text and flat colors, JPEG shows blocky artifacts and PNG stays clean.
Which Is Better for Print?
A high-quality JPEG is fine for photo prints. PNG suits graphics, text and artwork with sharp edges. What matters most for print is having enough pixels: see pixel dimensions at 300 DPI. Check your print shop's preferred format as well.
When You Need Transparency
Only PNG (and WebP) can have a transparent background. JPEG fills empty areas with a solid color. To get a transparent PNG from a photo, use the imgmend background remover.
Converting Between Them
Use the free converters: PNG to JPG and JPG to PNG. They run in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
PNG to JPEG shrinks the file, and you lose transparency, so empty areas become a solid color. The imgmend compressor turns opaque PNGs into smaller JPEGs, and keeps PNGs and WebP images that have real transparency as PNG. JPEG to PNG does not restore lost detail and makes the file bigger; open the JPEG in Paint or Preview and save as PNG only if you need that format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PNG or JPG better quality?
PNG preserves every pixel, so its fidelity is higher. For photos the difference is rarely visible, and JPEG is much smaller.
Should I use PNG or JPG for print?
A high-quality JPEG is fine for photos; PNG suits graphics and text. Make sure the image has enough pixels for the print size.
Which format supports transparency?
PNG does. JPEG does not.
Does converting PNG to JPG reduce quality?
Yes, a little, because JPEG is lossy, and you lose any transparency.
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