JPG vs PNG: Which Format Should You Use?
In the digital world, the two most common image file types are JPG (or JPEG) and PNG. While they might look the same to the casual observer, they work very differently "under the hood." Choosing the wrong one can lead to blurry images or slow-loading websites.
JPG: The King of Photography
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a "lossy" format. This means that when you save a JPG, it throws away some data to make the file smaller.
Pros:
- Incredible compression. A massive photo can be reduced to kilobytes.
- Widest support. Every device on earth opens JPG.
- Handles millions of colors well (gradients, skin tones).
Cons:
- No transparency support. Backgrounds are always solid.
- Artifacts appear if compressed too much (blocky noise).
- Not good for text or sharp lines.
PNG: The King of Graphics
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a "lossless" format. When you save a PNG, no quality is lost.
Pros:
- Transparency! This is the main reason to use PNG. You can have see-through backgrounds.
- Crisp edges. Perfect for logos, text, and screenshots.
Cons:
- File sizes can get huge quickly, especially for complex photos.
The Verdict: When to use what?
- Use JPG for: Camera photos, selfies, real-world scenes, and complex paintings.
- Use PNG for: Logos, icons, screenshots of apps/text, and anything requiring a transparent background.
What about WebP?
WebP is the modern challenger. It combines the best of both worlds: it supports transparency (like PNG) but compresses very well (like JPG). If you are building a website in 2024, converting your PNGs and JPGs to WebP is highly recommended.