JPG vs PNG vs WebP: which format should you use?
Choose a practical image format for photos, transparent graphics, forms and websites.
JPG for photographs and broad compatibility
JPG is widely supported and usually produces small files for photographs. It does not support transparency and uses lossy compression, so repeated editing and saving can reduce quality. It is often the safest choice for forms and email attachments.
PNG for transparency and sharp graphics
PNG is useful for logos, screenshots, diagrams and images with transparent backgrounds. It preserves edges well but can be much larger than JPG for camera photos. Changing a photo from JPG to PNG does not restore lost detail; it usually only increases the file size.
WebP for modern websites
WebP can provide good visual quality at smaller sizes and supports transparency. It is widely supported by modern browsers, but some older document systems and upload forms still expect JPG or PNG. Check the destination before choosing WebP.
GIF for simple animation
GIF remains useful for short, simple animations, but it has a limited color palette. Converting an animated GIF through a basic image converter generally keeps only one frame, so use a dedicated animation workflow when motion must be preserved.
Choose based on the destination
The best format is the one accepted by the receiving service while meeting your quality and size requirements. For uncertain upload systems, JPG is usually the most compatible photographic format.