All three formats store pictures, but they are good at different things. Picking the right one saves space and avoids rejected uploads.
JPG (JPEG)
Best for photographs. JPG compresses photos very well by throwing away detail your eyes barely notice. It does not support transparency. Almost every website, form and device accepts it, which makes it the safe choice for uploads.
PNG
Best for logos, screenshots and graphics with sharp edges. PNG keeps every pixel exactly and supports transparent backgrounds. The price is size: a photo saved as PNG can be many times bigger than the same photo as JPG.
WebP
Best for websites. WebP gives smaller files than JPG or PNG at the same look, and supports transparency. Most modern browsers read it, but some forms and older software do not accept it, so check before you upload.
Quick guide
| You need | Use |
|---|---|
| A photo for a form or exam | JPG |
| A logo with a clear background | PNG |
| A screenshot with text | PNG |
| The smallest file for a website | WebP |
| An image to email to anyone | JPG |
Converting between them
Use the image converter to switch formats. When you convert a transparent PNG to JPG, the transparent areas must be filled with a colour, and white is the usual choice. If you only want a smaller file, try the image compressor.
Hitting a size limit
Forms usually want JPG under a size limit. To reach one, use the resize image to KB tool rather than guessing quality settings yourself.