JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?
Use JPG for photographs, PNG for graphics, logos, screenshots, or anything that needs transparency, and WebP when you want smaller files on the web. JPG and WebP compress photos efficiently; PNG keeps sharp edges and transparent backgrounds but produces larger files. If you are unsure, JPG is the safe default for photos and PNG is the safe default for anything with text or flat color.
JPG: the default for photos
JPG uses lossy compression that is very good at photographs, where slight, smooth changes are hard to notice. It produces small files and opens everywhere. The downside: it does not support transparency, and each save discards a little detail, so avoid re-saving the same JPG many times.
PNG: graphics, text, and transparency
PNG is lossless and supports transparent backgrounds. That makes it ideal for logos, icons, screenshots, and images with sharp text or flat color, where JPG would add fuzzy artifacts. The trade-off is size — a photo saved as PNG is usually much larger than the same photo as JPG.
WebP: smaller files for the web
WebP is a modern format that compresses both photos and graphics smaller than JPG or PNG at comparable quality, and it supports transparency. It is well supported in current browsers, which makes it a strong choice for websites where page speed matters. For files you email or hand to other software, JPG or PNG is still the more universal pick.
Converting between them
TapCrop converts between JPG, PNG, and WebP in your browser, in bulk, without uploading. A common workflow: keep a PNG or original master, then export JPG for sharing and WebP for your website.
FAQ
Which is better, JPG or PNG?
Neither is universally better. JPG is best for photos and small file sizes; PNG is best for graphics, text, and transparency. Pick based on the image, not a rule.
Should I use WebP?
Use WebP for images on a website where smaller files improve loading speed. For files you send to people or other apps, JPG or PNG is more universally supported.
How do I convert between image formats?
TapCrop converts JPG, PNG, and WebP in bulk directly in your browser — no uploads — and can also convert HEIC to JPG.