PNG and JPEG solve different problems. JPEG is designed to compress continuous-tone images such as photographs, while PNG preserves exact pixel values and supports transparency.
Use JPEG for most photographs
Photographs contain subtle changes in color and brightness. JPEG can discard less noticeable information and produce a much smaller file. At sensible quality settings, the result often looks nearly identical at normal viewing size.
Very low JPEG quality can create square blocks, halos around edges and banding in skies or gradients. Keep the original and adjust quality from a clean source.
Use PNG for transparency and precise edges
PNG is well suited to logos, icons, diagrams and interface screenshots. It preserves sharp edges and can store transparent pixels. A transparent logo exported as JPEG would require a solid background.
PNG can become very large for camera photos because it preserves far more information than the final use normally needs.
Screenshots need a quick comparison
A screenshot dominated by text and flat interface colors may compress efficiently as PNG. A screenshot filled with video, photography or gradients may be smaller as WebP or JPEG. Export both and inspect small text before deciding.
Simple decision table
- Photo with no transparency: JPEG or WebP.
- Logo with transparency: PNG or WebP.
- Line art or UI screenshot: PNG first, then compare WebP.
- Strict form requesting JPG: JPEG, regardless of preference.
This guide was reviewed for practical clarity and updated for the current NEXDOWNLOAD toolset on July 28, 2026.