What Is the Difference Between JPG and PNG Image Formats?

If your website’s image quality is poor, it can hurt a user’s experience and cause them to bounce. So, it is crucial to understand image types and their file size better.

There are several types of image formats to choose from. Two of the most common file formats used for digital images are JPG and PNG. Both are often used for various purposes, but you can choose the most suitable one when you know what you need!

So, now that you want to up your image game read this guide on the difference between JPG and PNG.

Laptop with photos

What Is Jpg?

JPG (short for Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a lossy image compression format. It reduces the file size of an image by discarding some of the data. This is done to reduce the amount of storage space required for the image to make it easier to transfer and share online!

The more a jpg file is compressed, the smaller the file size becomes. Compressed photos, however, may reduce the image’s quality too.

As a result, jpg is best used for images that don’t require high levels of detail or precision. It’s perfect for photographs or graphics with smooth transitions between colors.

What Is PNG?

PNG (short for Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless compression file format. It retains all of the data in the original image file.

Images in png format are larger than jpg files, but they also preserve the quality of the picture. This format is often used for images requiring great detail or precision.

PNG files also support transparency, meaning the image’s background can be transparent. It helps place an image on any colored background without a white box appearing around it.

What Is the Difference Between JPG and PNG?

The critical difference between jpg and png is the way they handle color. JPG files use a color model called RGB (Red, Green, Blue). It’s best suited for displaying images on screens.

PNG files, on the other hand, can use a variety of color models, including RGB, grayscale, and even indexed color. That makes png files more versatile when displaying images across different devices and platforms.

JPG files are ideal for photographs, digital art, and other ideas that contain a lot of color variation or gradients. PNG files, however, are better suited for images containing text, logos, or other graphics with sharp edges or high levels of detail.

JPG and PNG are best suited for different types of images. If you need to convert images, then make sure to look into a PNG to JPEG converter. It will come in handy for your work in the future!

Know the Difference

Photo Editing

While JPG and PNG may seem similar initially, some differences exist between these popular image formats. JPG is best used for images that require little detail or precision. However, PNG is better suited for prints with sharp edges or transparency.

It’s best to understand the difference between JPG and PNG to choose the best file format suitable for your needs! Consider whether you want a high-quality image with a large file size or a degraded image with a smaller one. Try both of them today and figure out which works best for you!

Was this article helpful? Check out our blog for more content.

Share
 
Lucija
I used to write about games but now work on web development topics at WebFactory Ltd. I've studied e-commerce and internet advertising, and I'm skilled in WordPress and social media. I like design, marketing, and economics. Even though I've changed my job focus, I still play games for fun.