Image formats4 min read
JPG vs PNG: which image format should you use?
A simple guide to choosing JPG or PNG before you save or convert an image.
Published
The short answer
- Choose JPG for photos when a smaller file matters.
- Choose PNG for logos, screenshots, diagrams, or anything that needs a transparent background.
- If you are unsure, look at the picture. A real-world photo usually fits JPG. Text and sharp edges usually fit PNG.
What changes when you choose JPG?
JPG uses compression to make a photo file smaller. It can remove small visual details. This is often hard to notice in a normal photograph.
JPG is useful when you want to:
- send photos faster
- save storage space
- use an image on a web page where a small file helps
Do not keep converting the same JPG again and again. Each new JPG save can reduce quality a little more.
What changes when you choose PNG?
PNG keeps image details without the usual JPG-style compression. It can also keep transparent pixels.
PNG is useful when you want to:
- keep a logo on a transparent background
- save a screenshot with readable text
- keep line art, UI shapes, or diagrams sharp
A PNG can be much larger than a JPG photo. That is normal.
Quick comparison
| Need | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A camera photo | JPG | Usually smaller with good visual quality |
| A logo with no background | PNG | Supports transparency |
| A screenshot with small text | PNG | Keeps sharp edges clearer |
| A small image for a message | JPG | Usually easier to share |
Convert a JPG or PNG in Convert My
- Drop your
.jpg,.jpeg, or.pngfile into the converter. - Choose the format you need.
- Select Convert & download.
Convert My works in your browser. Your file stays on your device.
Before you convert
- Keep the original file if it matters to you.
- Check whether you need transparency. If yes, do not choose JPG.
- Try a small test conversion first when the image is for print or a client.