Image guides
PNG vs JPG: When to Use Each Format
PNG and JPG solve different problems. Choose PNG for sharp graphics and transparency; choose JPG for everyday photos and broader sharing.
Ready to try the tool this guide describes?
Transparency and graphics
PNG can store an alpha channel. Logos, UI shots, and overlays often need it. JPG cannot.
Photos and file size
JPG usually compresses photographs more aggressively. That can mean smaller uploads, with lossy compression trade-offs.
Converting between them
Use /tools/png-to-jpg when you need compatibility. Use /tools/jpg-to-png when a workflow requires PNG, remembering conversion cannot invent lost detail.
PNG vs JPG FAQ
- Is PNG always lossless?
- PNG stores pixels losslessly. If the source was already a compressed JPG, artifacts remain after conversion to PNG.
- When should I keep PNG?
- Keep PNG for transparency, text-heavy screenshots, or when you need lossless re-saves of decoded pixels.
- When should I use JPG?
- Use JPG for photos destined for websites, email, or apps that reject PNG transparency workflows.
- Does quality setting matter?
- Yes for JPG output. Higher quality usually means larger files.
- Which Looty Tools should I use?
- PNG to JPG at /tools/png-to-jpg and JPG to PNG at /tools/jpg-to-png.
Related guides
- Convert PNG to JPGConvert a PNG image to JPG locally: choose the file, set JPEG quality, and download without uploading the image.
- PNG Transparency in JPGUnderstand what happens to transparent PNG pixels when you convert to JPG, including white-background flattening.
- JPG vs PNGCompare JPG and PNG for compatibility, compression, transparency, and when converting between them makes sense.