Here's the short answer: photos go in JPG or WebP. Screenshots and graphics go in PNG or WebP. Need transparency? PNG or WebP. Not sure? Use WebP — it handles almost everything well.
Now the longer answer, because "it depends" is actually true here.
JPG (JPEG)
JPG uses lossy compression — it permanently discards some image data to achieve smaller files. For photos, this works brilliantly. A 10 MB raw photo becomes a 500 KB JPG that looks identical at normal viewing size.
Use JPG when:
- You're working with photographs
- You need small file sizes
- You don't need transparency
- You're sending images via email or uploading to platforms with size limits
Don't use JPG when:
- Your image has text, sharp lines, or flat colors (JPG creates visible "ringing" artifacts around hard edges)
- You need a transparent background
- You'll be editing and re-saving the file multiple times (each save loses more quality)
JPG is the universal format. Every device, browser, app, and platform on earth opens JPGs without issues. When in doubt about compatibility, JPG is the safe bet.
PNG
PNG uses lossless compression — every pixel is preserved exactly. This makes it perfect for screenshots, graphics, logos, and anything with text or sharp edges.
Use PNG when:
- You're saving screenshots, UI mockups, or graphics with text
- You need a transparent background
- You need pixel-perfect reproduction (no compression artifacts)
- Your image has flat colors, sharp lines, or text
Don't use PNG when:
- You're saving photographs (a photo PNG can be 3–5x larger than a JPG with no visible improvement)
- File size is a priority and the content is photographic
PNG's lossless nature is both its strength and weakness. A PNG screenshot might be 200 KB where a WebP version is 80 KB. A PNG photo might be 8 MB where a JPG is 800 KB. It depends entirely on what's in the image.
If you have PNGs of photos that are bloating your site, convert them with the PNG to JPG converter for an easy win.
WebP
WebP is Google's modern format and it's the closest thing to a "use everywhere" solution. It supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and produces files 25–35% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality.
Use WebP when:
- You're building for the web (all modern browsers support it)
- You want the smallest possible file size
- You need transparency but want smaller files than PNG
- You're optimizing an existing site's images
Don't use WebP when:
- You're sending files to someone who might open them on legacy software
- You're uploading to a platform that specifically requires JPG or PNG
- You're working in print (CMYK workflows expect TIFF or high-quality JPG)
In 2026, WebP browser support is universal — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all support it. The "but Safari doesn't support it" argument expired years ago. Convert your images with the PNG to WebP or WebP to PNG converters to test the difference.
Format comparison
| | JPG | PNG | WebP | |---|---|---|---| | Compression | Lossy | Lossless | Both | | Transparency | No | Yes | Yes | | Animation | No | No (APNG exists but rare) | Yes | | Browser support | Universal | Universal | All modern browsers | | Best for | Photos | Screenshots, graphics | Almost everything | | Typical photo size | Small | Very large | Smallest |
What about AVIF and HEIC?
AVIF is a newer format with even better compression than WebP — roughly 20% smaller at the same quality. Browser support is good (Chrome, Firefox, Safari 16+) but not quite as universal as WebP yet. It's worth watching, but WebP is the safer default today.
HEIC is Apple's default camera format. It has excellent compression but poor compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem. Most websites and non-Apple apps don't accept HEIC files. If you have HEIC photos you need to share, convert them to JPG first.
The simple decision rules
Still not sure? Follow these rules:
- It's a photo for the web → WebP (or JPG for maximum compatibility)
- It's a screenshot or graphic → PNG (or WebP if size matters)
- It needs a transparent background → PNG or WebP
- It's going in an email → JPG (universal, small)
- You don't know → WebP
The best format is the one that gives you the quality you need at the smallest file size. When in doubt, try two formats and compare — the PNG to JPG and PNG to WebP converters make this a 10-second test.
Is WebP better than PNG?
For photos, yes — WebP is dramatically smaller. For screenshots and graphics, WebP is often comparable or slightly better. Both support transparency. WebP is the safer default in 2026 unless you need guaranteed compatibility with legacy systems.
Can all browsers open WebP?
Yes. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge have all supported WebP since at least 2020. Unless your audience is using Internet Explorer (which Microsoft discontinued), browser support is not a concern.
Should I convert all my PNGs to JPG?
Only if they're photos. PNGs of screenshots, graphics, or anything with text should stay as PNG or convert to WebP. JPG compression creates visible artifacts on sharp edges and text — that's not a quality setting issue, it's how JPG works.