JPG vs PNG vs WebP: which format should you use?

The right format depends on what the picture shows and where it will be used.

JPG

Best for photographs. Files are small because the format discards detail you are unlikely to notice. It has no transparency, and repeated saving lowers quality.

PNG

Best for logos, icons and screenshots with sharp edges or transparent backgrounds. It loses no detail, so files are larger than JPG for photos.

WebP

A newer format that is usually smaller than JPG or PNG at similar quality and supports transparency. Current browsers open it, but some older software and email programs may not.

Quick rules

Photo to share anywhere: JPG. Logo or screenshot: PNG. Image on a fast website: WebP. Convert between them with the image converter, and keep your original file in case you need it later.