PNG
VS
JPG
PNG vs JPGComplete Format Comparison Guide
Use PNG when you need transparency or pixel-perfect graphics. Use JPG for photographs and when smaller file size matters most.
Updated April 10, 2026
Lossless vs Lossy compression
Side-by-side analysis
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | PNG | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Portable Network Graphics | Joint Photographic Experts Group |
| File Extension | .png | .jpg |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Transparency | Yes | No |
| Animation | No | No |
| Color Depth | Up to 48-bit | 24-bit |
| Max Colors | 16.7 million (24-bit) or 281 trillion (48-bit) | 16.7 million |
| Browser Support | Universal | Universal |
| Typical File Size | Large | Small |
| Year Introduced | 1996 | 1992 |
Full Name
PNG
Portable Network Graphics
JPG
Joint Photographic Experts Group
File Extension
PNG
.png
JPG
.jpg
Compression
PNG
Lossless
JPG
Lossy
Transparency
PNG
Yes
JPG
No
Animation
PNG
No
JPG
No
Color Depth
PNG
Up to 48-bit
JPG
24-bit
Max Colors
PNG
16.7 million (24-bit) or 281 trillion (48-bit)
JPG
16.7 million
Browser Support
PNG
Universal
JPG
Universal
Typical File Size
PNG
Large
JPG
Small
Year Introduced
PNG
1996
JPG
1992
File Size Comparison
Scenario: A landscape photo at 1920 × 1080 pixels
PNG
.png
4.2 MB
JPG
.jpg
420 KB
Note: JPG achieves roughly 90% size reduction with minimal visible quality loss on photographs
When to Use Each Format
PUse PNG when...
- You need a transparent background (logos, icons, overlays)
- The image contains text, UI elements, or sharp edges
- You are creating screenshots or screen recordings
- Lossless quality is essential and file size is secondary
- You plan to edit the image multiple times without quality loss
Best for
Screenshots and UI elementsGraphics with text overlaysImages requiring transparencyLogos and iconsLine art and diagrams
JUse JPG when...
- You are working with photographs or realistic imagery
- File size needs to be as small as possible for web or email
- The image will be displayed on social media
- You do not need transparency
- The image is for print and requires CMYK-compatible workflows
Best for
Photographs and realistic imagesSocial media posts and sharingEmail attachments and web contentPrint-ready imagesSituations where file size matters more than pixel-perfect quality
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PNG vs JPG FAQ
Common questions about PNG and JPG image formats
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