Image Formats Explained: JPG vs PNG vs WebP

Quick Reference Guide

JPG (JPEG) - The Photography Standard

JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) has been the web standard for photos since the 1990s. It uses lossy compression, meaning some data is discarded to achieve smaller files.

When to Use JPG

• Photographs and complex images
• Images with many colors and gradients
• When file size is important
• Social media uploads
• Email attachments

When NOT to Use JPG

• Images with text (compression creates artifacts)
• Logos and graphics with sharp edges
• Images requiring transparency
• Images you'll edit multiple times (quality degrades each save)

PNG - Graphics and Transparency

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) uses lossless compression, preserving all image data. It supports transparency, making it essential for graphics work.

When to Use PNG

• Logos and graphics
• Screenshots (especially with text)
• Images requiring transparency
• Graphics with sharp edges and text
• Images for further editing

When NOT to Use PNG

• Photographs (files will be huge)
• When file size is critical
• Large images for web display

WebP - The Modern Standard

WebP is Google's modern image format that combines the best of JPG and PNG. It offers superior compression while supporting both lossy and lossless modes plus transparency.

When to Use WebP

• Any web images (with JPG/PNG fallback)
• When you need smaller files than JPG
• Photos and graphics alike
• When transparency is needed with good compression

When NOT to Use WebP

• When sharing with users who might have old software
• Print production (printers often don't support it)
• Email attachments to general audiences

GIF - Simple Animations

GIF is limited to 256 colors but supports animation. While largely replaced by video formats for complex animations, it's still used for simple animated graphics.

When to Use GIF

• Simple animations (loading spinners, small icons)
• Memes and reaction images
• Platforms that don't support video

When NOT to Use GIF

• Static images (use PNG or JPG)
• Complex animations (use MP4/WebM video)
• Photos (only 256 colors!)

SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics

SVG is a vector format, meaning images are defined mathematically rather than as pixels. This allows infinite scaling without quality loss.

When to Use SVG

• Logos and icons
• Simple illustrations
• Graphics that need to scale (responsive design)
• Interactive graphics (can be styled with CSS)

When NOT to Use SVG

• Photographs (SVG can't represent photos)
• Complex graphics with many details

File Size Comparison

For the same 1000x1000 pixel image at similar visual quality:

Decision Flowchart

1. Is it a photograph?
   • Yes → WebP (or JPG for compatibility)
   • No → Continue to step 2
2. Does it need transparency?
   • Yes → PNG or WebP
   • No → Continue to step 3
3. Is it an icon/logo that needs to scale?
   • Yes → SVG
   • No → Continue to step 4
4. Does it have text or sharp edges?
   • Yes → PNG
   • No → WebP or JPG

Converting Between Formats

Need to convert images? Use Pictey's free online tools:

• WebP to JPG - For universal compatibility
• PNG to JPG - For smaller photo files
• JPG to PNG - When you need lossless editing
• Convert to WebP - For modern web optimization

Conclusion

Choosing the right format depends on your content and use case. For modern web development, WebP is usually the best choice. For universal compatibility, JPG (photos) and PNG (graphics) remain reliable options. And for scalable logos and icons, SVG is unmatched.