Format guide
PNG vs JPEG: which format should you use?
JPEG is usually smaller for photos; PNG is better when you need sharp edges or transparency. Pick based on content type, not habit.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
PNG vs JPEG at a glance
| PNG | JPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless (or optional color reduction) | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Best for | UI, icons, flat graphics, screenshots | Photos, gradients, camera images |
| Typical file size | Larger for photos | Smaller for photos |
| Edge quality | Sharp text and flat color | Can show artifacts near hard edges |
Why the same image behaves differently
JPEG throws away detail the eye barely notices, which is why a 4000×3000 photo can shrink dramatically. That trade-off backfires on text, logos, and flat UI because compression creates visible blocks around sharp edges.
PNG stores pixels without that photo-oriented loss (or reduces colors in a controlled way for smaller PNGs). The file grows on photos, but stays predictable on graphics.
When to choose each format
JPEG
Camera photos, portraits, product shots on white backgrounds, and any image without transparency.
Image CompressorPNG
Logos, icons, screenshots, diagrams, and assets that must keep transparency.
Image CompressorWebP
Websites and apps that accept WebP and you want smaller files than JPEG or PNG at similar quality.
Image ConverterCommon mistakes
Saving photos as PNG
A phone photo exported as PNG is often several times larger with no visible benefit. Compress as JPEG or WebP instead.
Saving logos as JPEG
JPEG cannot keep transparency and will blur crisp edges. Export logos and UI as PNG or SVG.
Re-saving JPEG repeatedly
Each edit-and-export cycle adds loss. Keep a lossless master (PNG/TIFF) and export JPEG only for delivery.
Is PNG always higher quality than JPEG?
Not for photographs. PNG avoids JPEG artifacts but is not “more detailed” on camera images—it is just stored differently and usually larger.
Can Pixlery convert between PNG and JPEG?
Yes. Use Image Converter to change format, then Image Compressor to tune file size. Both run locally in your browser.
What about PNG with Smaller vs Lossless compression?
Lossless keeps every pixel. Smaller reduces colors for graphics and screenshots where a slight palette change is acceptable.