JPG / JPEG vs PNG: which format should you choose?
Compare the purpose, trade-offs and checks that matter before converting between these formats.
JPG / JPEG
JPEG stores raster photographs with lossy compression. JPG and JPEG are two extensions for the same format.
A compact format for photographs
Choose JPG for photographic images when a receiving app needs a widely supported format. Inspect fine text and edges after reducing quality.
JPG does not store transparent pixels. A PNG-to-JPG conversion must fill the background. Saving an existing JPG as PNG cannot restore detail already lost in the JPG.
JPG / JPEG →PNG
PNG stores raster images with lossless compression and supports an alpha channel for transparency.
Keep crisp graphics and transparent backgrounds
Use PNG for screenshots, diagrams and interface graphics. Check the pixel dimensions before placing it in a print document.
A PNG file can be larger than a JPG of a photograph. Browser processing can change metadata and color profiles; lossless compression does not guarantee that every source property is retained.
PNG →A practical check before sharing
- Choose one file to see compatible formats.
- Pick a tool and adjust the output settings.
- Download the result and check it before sharing.
No. Coverton reads the selected file and creates a separate result. Existing source files are not overwritten. Check the downloaded file’s content, size and quality before replacing any copy yourself.