JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Should You Use?
One simple rule for choosing an image format.
Reviewed by Omar
Use JPG for photos that must open anywhere, PNG for graphics, screenshots or anything needing transparency, and WebP for the smallest files on modern browsers — it's typically 25–35% smaller than JPG or PNG.
Quick facts
- Availability
- Worldwide
Three image formats cover almost everything you’ll meet online: JPG, PNG and WebP. Here’s the difference in plain English, and a rule that picks the right one every time.
JPG — for photographs
Per MDN, JPG (JPEG) uses lossy compression and has no transparency. It’s ideal for photos and is supported literally everywhere, which makes it the safe default when a file must open on any device.
PNG — for graphics and transparency
PNG is lossless and supports an alpha channel (transparency). Use it for logos, screenshots, sharp-edged graphics, or anything that needs a transparent background.
WebP — for the smallest files
WebP does both lossy and lossless and supports transparency. Its big advantage is size: Google reports WebP files are typically 25–35% smaller than equivalent JPGs or PNGs. The only catch is that very old software may not open it.
The simple rule
- Photo that must open anywhere → JPG
- Graphic, screenshot or transparency → PNG
- Smallest file for a modern website → WebP
Need to convert or shrink? Use our WebP to JPG tool or Image Compressor.
Pros
- Clear rule of thumb
- Backed by Google and Mozilla docs
Cons
- Very old software may not open WebP
Compress JPG, PNG and WebP images in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Is WebP better than JPG?
For the web, usually yes — Google reports WebP is typically 25–35% smaller than JPG at similar quality. But very old software may not open it, so JPG is still safest for universal compatibility.
When should I use PNG?
Use PNG for graphics, logos, screenshots, and anything that needs transparency, since PNG is lossless and supports an alpha channel. JPG has no transparency.
Sources
- Serve images in modern formats (WebP) — Google (web.dev). Verified June 20, 2026.
- Image file type and format guide — MDN (Mozilla). Verified June 20, 2026.