PNG vs JPG: Which One Should You Use?

PNG and JPG are the two most recognizable image formats, but they aren't interchangeable. JPG uses lossy compression tuned for photographic detail, which keeps file sizes small at the cost of some fine detail. PNG uses lossless compression, which preserves every pixel exactly but usually produces a larger file.

A simple rule of thumb: if your image is a photo with lots of color gradients, JPG will usually give you a much smaller file with barely noticeable quality loss. If your image has flat colors, text, or needs a transparent background — like a logo or an icon — PNG will look sharper and cleaner.

If you're not sure, convert the same image to both and compare the file size and appearance directly. That side-by-side comparison usually makes the right choice obvious.