If you have ever wondered why an image looks fuzzy, why a file is enormous, or why a website rejected your upload, the answer is almost always the format. Here is the no-jargon guide to the big three.
JPG — the photo format
JPG (also spelled JPEG) uses lossy compression: it throws away detail your eye barely notices to make files small. That trade-off is perfect for photographs.
- Use it for: photos, web images, anything where small size matters.
- Avoid it for: logos, text, screenshots (compression smears sharp edges).
- Gotcha: it cannot store transparency.
PNG — the graphics format
PNG is lossless: it keeps every pixel exactly. It also supports transparency. That makes it ideal for anything with crisp edges.
- Use it for: logos, icons, screenshots, graphics with transparency.
- Avoid it for: large photographs (files get very big).
- Gotcha: no animation, larger files than JPG for photos.
WebP — the modern all-rounder
WebP is Google’s modern format. It compresses 25–35% smaller than JPG or PNG at the same quality, supports transparency, and even animation.
- Use it for: fast-loading websites, modern galleries.
- Avoid it for: old desktop software that may not open it.
- Gotcha: some legacy tools still reject it.
The quick decision guide
| Your goal | Best format |
|---|---|
| A photograph for the web or email | JPG |
| A logo or screenshot with sharp edges | PNG |
| The smallest possible file for a modern site | WebP |
| A transparent background | PNG or WebP |
Converting between them — privately
Whatever you have, you can switch formats in seconds without uploading anything:
- Convert PNG to JPG — shrink graphics-turned-photos
- Convert WebP to PNG — rescue a WebP an app won’t open
- Convert JPG to WebP — speed up your website
- Browse all image conversions
Every conversion runs on your own device. Your images never leave your browser.