Most image problems are format problems in disguise: a file that is too big to email, a logo with a white box around it, or a screenshot that looks fuzzy after saving. Picking the right format fixes all three.
The short answer
| Format | Best for | Transparency | Typical size |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Photos, camera images, email | No | Small |
| PNG | Logos, screenshots, transparent images | Yes | Large |
| WebP | Web images, thumbnails, modern sites | Yes | Smallest |
| AVIF | Modern web, maximum compression | Yes | Smallest |
JPG: the compatibility default
JPG uses lossy compression, which throws away detail the eye is less likely to notice. That makes it excellent for photographs and terrible for crisp text. Every device, browser and print shop accepts JPG, which is why it is still the safest choice for sharing.
Use JPG when:
- The image is a photo with lots of colour and detail.
- You need the smallest file that still looks good.
- Transparency is not needed.
Avoid repeated re-saving. Every save recompresses the image and degrades it further.
PNG: sharp edges and transparency
PNG is lossless: the file keeps every pixel exactly as it was saved. It also supports alpha transparency, so a logo can sit on any background without a white rectangle behind it.
Use PNG when:
- You need a transparent background (cutouts, logos, stickers).
- The image contains text, UI elements or sharp lines.
- You are editing in stages and want to avoid quality loss.
The trade-off is size. A photograph saved as PNG can be several times larger than the same photo as JPG.
WebP: the web workhorse
WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, plus transparency and animation. In practice, a good WebP is often 25–35% smaller than an equivalent JPG, and much smaller than PNG for photographic content.
Use WebP when:
- You are publishing images on a website.
- You want transparency with a smaller file than PNG.
- You control the delivery and can provide a fallback.
Browser support is now effectively universal, but some older desktop software and print workflows still do not open WebP.
AVIF: smallest files, newer support
AVIF usually beats WebP on file size, especially for large photos. Encoding is slower and support in older software is patchier, so it is best used as a modern web format with a fallback.
What about converting between them?
You can convert in either direction, but you cannot recover quality that was already lost. Converting a JPG to PNG does not make it sharper — it only makes the file larger. Convert from the highest-quality original you have.
For quick conversions, PixelConvert handles JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC, GIF, BMP, TIFF and ICO in the browser. Nothing is uploaded, so it is safe for client work and personal photos.
Convert between formats
Free, private, and no software to install.
Quick decision checklist
- Does it need transparency? → PNG or WebP.
- Is it a photo? → JPG or WebP.
- Is it a logo, screenshot or text? → PNG.
- Is it for a website? → WebP (with a fallback if needed).
- Does it need to open anywhere, including old software? → JPG or PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than JPG?
For web delivery, usually yes — smaller files at similar quality. For maximum compatibility with desktop apps and print, JPG is still safer.
Can I use WebP for print?
Most print shops prefer TIFF, PDF or high-quality JPG. Ask before sending WebP.
Does converting PNG to JPG remove transparency?
Yes. JPG has no alpha channel, so transparent areas become a solid colour (usually white).
Which format is best for email attachments?
JPG for photos, PNG for screenshots or images with text. Keep the total attachment size under the recipient's limit.