Image format guide

PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Compare PNG, JPG and WebP for photographs, graphics, transparency and web delivery, and learn what to check when converting between image formats.

By Ankit Adarsha Behera · Updated 11 November 2026

Why image format matters

An image format affects file size, image quality, transparency support and compatibility with the software or website where the image will be used. There is no single best format for every image. Choose based on the image itself and the requirements of its destination.

PNG: graphics and transparency

PNG is a lossless format that is commonly useful for screenshots, interface graphics, logos and images that need transparent areas. It can preserve sharp edges and text without the repeated compression artefacts associated with lossy formats. Photographs saved as PNG can be much larger than comparable JPG or WebP files.

JPG: photographs and broad compatibility

JPG is widely supported and is commonly used for photographs. It uses lossy compression, which can reduce file size but may introduce visible artefacts, especially around text, fine edges or after repeated editing and saving. JPG does not support transparency. If a transparent PNG is converted to JPG, the transparent areas must be represented with a solid background.

WebP: web delivery and flexible compression

WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression and can preserve transparency. It can be a practical choice for websites when the publishing platform and target browsers support it. Before choosing WebP for a workflow, check that the destination application accepts it; some older software or upload systems may require PNG or JPG.

How to choose

• Use PNG when transparency or crisp interface graphics matter.
• Use JPG for photographs when broad compatibility and smaller files are important.
• Use WebP for web images when the destination supports it and its size and appearance suit the page.

What happens during conversion?

Changing a file extension does not convert the image. A converter decodes the source image and encodes it in the selected output format. Converting a lossy JPG to PNG does not restore detail that was discarded when the JPG was created. Converting a transparent PNG to JPG removes transparency. When comparing formats, inspect the image at its intended display size and check the output file size as well as appearance.

Try an image conversion

Convert Hau's image tools support several common formats, including PNG, JPG, JPEG and WebP. Open the relevant format page to check the available input and output choices. Image conversion runs in the browser, so the selected image is processed on your device for these supported conversions.