JPG, PNG, WebP: three formats that cover almost every image on the web, each with its own strengths. Picking the right one keeps your files small without making them look bad. Here is how to decide in plain language.
JPG: best for photos
JPG (also written JPEG) is built for photographs. It compresses smoothly, so a colourful photo becomes a small file that still looks great. The catch is that it cannot store transparency and it loses a little detail each time it is saved, so it is not ideal for graphics with sharp edges or text.
PNG: best for graphics and transparency
PNG keeps every pixel exactly as it is and supports transparent backgrounds. That makes it perfect for logos, icons, screenshots, and anything with crisp lines or text. The downside is size: a PNG of a photograph is usually much larger than the same photo as a JPG.
WebP: the modern all-rounder
WebP is a newer format that often beats both. It handles photos and transparency, and typically produces smaller files than JPG or PNG at the same quality. It is supported by every modern browser, which is why so many websites now use it to load faster.
Quick rules of thumb
- Photograph with no transparency needed: use JPG or WebP.
- Logo, icon, or screenshot with sharp edges: use PNG or WebP.
- Need transparency: use PNG or WebP, never JPG.
- Want the smallest file for the web: try WebP first.
You do not have to guess. Convert the same image to each format and compare the file sizes, then compress the winner to hit your exact target. It only takes a few seconds and every step runs in your browser.