PNG vs JPG: What’s the Difference and When to Use Each?

In today’s digital world, images are everywhere—on websites, social media, presentations, eCommerce platforms, and personal devices. Whether you’re a designer, content creator, marketer, or everyday user, choosing the right image format can make a noticeable difference in image quality, file size, and usability.

Among all image formats available, PNG and JPG are by far the two most commonly used. You’ve probably encountered both countless times, and maybe even converted jpg to png (or the other way around) without fully understanding why. While they may look similar at first glance, PNG and JPG are built for different purposes and behave very differently behind the scenes.

This article will walk you through what JPG and PNG are, how they differ, when to use each format, and how to convert between them effectively. By the end, you’ll know exactly which format to choose for your next project—and why.

Part 1: What Is JPG (JPEG)?

JPG, also written as JPEG, stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the organization that developed the format. JPG is one of the most widely supported image formats in the world and has been a web standard for decades.

The defining feature of JPG is lossy compression. This means that when an image is saved as a JPG, some image data is permanently discarded to reduce file size. The goal is to strike a balance between acceptable image quality and smaller storage requirements.

Key Characteristics of JPG

Lossy compression: Reduces file size by removing some image details
Adjustable quality levels: You can choose higher quality (larger file) or lower quality (smaller file)
No transparency support: JPG images always have a solid background
Excellent for photos: Handles complex colors and gradients well

Because JPG files are compact and load quickly, they are widely used for photographs, blog images, social media uploads, and general web content. However, repeated editing and saving can degrade quality over time due to repeated compression.

Part 2: What Is PNG?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It was created as a modern alternative to older formats and was designed to handle high-quality images without data loss.

Unlike JPG, PNG uses lossless compression. This means that no image data is discarded during compression. Every time you save a PNG file, the image remains exactly the same quality as the original.

Key Characteristics of PNG

Lossless compression: Preserves full image quality
Supports transparency: Can have fully transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds
Sharper edges: Ideal for text, logos, and graphics
Larger file sizes: Especially for detailed images or photos

PNG is commonly used for logos, icons, UI elements, screenshots, and images that require clean edges or transparent backgrounds. While PNG files are larger than JPGs, they provide superior clarity for certain types of visuals.

Part 3: PNG vs JPG: Key Differences at a Glance

When comparing png vs jpg, the differences come down to compression, quality, file size, and functionality. Neither format is “better” overall—they’re simply optimized for different needs.

Compression

JPG uses lossy compression, which reduces file size but sacrifices some detail. PNG uses lossless compression, keeping all image data intact.

Image Quality

JPG quality can degrade, especially after multiple edits. PNG maintains consistent quality no matter how many times it’s saved.

File Size

JPG files are generally much smaller, making them ideal for web performance. PNG files are larger, especially for photographs.

Transparency

This is one of the biggest differences. JPG does not support transparency at all. PNG fully supports transparent backgrounds, making it essential for design and compositing work.

Editing and Reuse

PNG files are more flexible for repeated editing. JPG files are better suited for final output rather than ongoing edits.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	JPG	PNG
Compression	Lossy	Lossless
Image Quality	Slightly reduced	Preserved
File Size	Smaller	Larger
Transparency	Not supported	Fully supported
Best For	Photos, web images	Logos, graphics, text

Part 4: Best Use Cases of JPG vs PNG

Knowing when to use each format can save storage space, improve website performance, and make your visuals look more professional.

When to Use JPG

JPG is the better choice when:

You’re working with photographs or realistic images
File size matters (websites, emails, social media)
Transparency is not required
Fast loading times are a priority

Examples include blog post images, product photos, social media pictures, and personal photography.

When to Use PNG

PNG is ideal when:

You need a transparent background
The image includes text, logos, or sharp lines
You want maximum quality with no compression loss
The image will be edited multiple times

If you need to make image background transparent, PNG is the format you’ll want. JPG simply cannot handle transparency, which is why designers often convert JPG images to PNG before editing or compositing.

Part 5: Can You Convert JPG to PNG?

Yes, absolutely. Converting jpg to png is very common, especially when transparency or higher editing flexibility is needed.

Why Convert JPG to PNG?

To add or preserve transparency
To prevent further quality loss during editing
To prepare images for design or branding use

However, it’s important to understand one key point: converting a JPG to PNG does not restore lost image data. If a JPG has already lost quality due to compression, converting it to PNG will not magically improve it. The conversion simply preserves the image at its current quality going forward.

How to Convert JPG to PNG Step by Step

Here’s a general workflow using a tool like Leawo BG Remover, which is especially useful when background removal is involved:

Upload your JPG image into the tool
Automatically detect and remove the background if needed
Choose PNG as the output format
Download the converted PNG file

This process is particularly useful if you want to isolate a subject, remove unwanted backgrounds, or prepare images for presentations, websites, or marketing materials.

What Happens After Conversion?

After conversion:

The image is saved in PNG format
Transparency (if applied) is preserved
The file becomes easier to edit without quality loss
File size may increase compared to the original JPG

This makes PNG the preferred format for ongoing design work and reuse.

Part 6: Conclusion

The debate of png vs jpg isn’t about which format is better—it’s about choosing the right tool for the job. JPG excels at compressing photos into small, web-friendly files, while PNG shines when quality, transparency, and sharp details matter most.

If you’re working with photographs and need fast loading times, JPG is usually the best choice. If you’re dealing with logos, text, or need to make image background transparent, PNG is the clear winner.

Understanding how and how to convert jpg to png gives you even more flexibility, especially when using modern tools designed to streamline the process. By choosing the correct format for each use case, you’ll improve image quality, performance, and overall visual impact—without unnecessary trade-offs.