In the world of digital images, you’ve likely come to know two formats: PNG and JPG.
If you compare the two photo formats next to each other, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between the two
However, upon further inspection, they’re pretty different, and they both serve different purposes.
So, what’s the difference between PNG vs. JPG and when should you use each file format? We’ve got the answers for you below.
What is a JPG Image?
JPG stands for Joint Photographics Expert Group. Images that use the JPG format generally feature a nice balance of image quality and file size, meaning that during the compression process, the file isn’t affected too much.
It’s important to know that JPG images usually feature a 10:1 compression ratio.
For example, if you start with an image that is 100MB and then you try to export it as a JPG, the image will end up being around 10MB.
How does this type of picture format accomplish that kind of compression? It looks for similar pixels and merges them together in tiles.
While this is pretty efficient for a basic photo editor, it does cause photos to lose their quality. This means that if you’re trying to save an archival photo as a base to work off, it’s best not to save it in the JPG photo format.
What is a PNG Image?
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics, and it’s a lossless file format.
What does lossless mean in this context? Well, it means that you won’t lose any quality each time you edit, open, or save the photo.
Unlike a JPG image, PNG images use something called LZW compression. Instead of creating tiles by merging similar pixels together, LZW compression takes strings of bits and matches them to longer sequences.
While the actual science behind it all is pretty complicated, all you need to know is that the file stores these sequences in something called a codebook. Then, it stores the codebook within the image file itself.
This means that a PNG image will have a higher quality resolution within a smaller file.
Instead of compressing the file by grouping pixels together, a PNG file preserves the image pixel-by-pixel.
Here it’s important to note that while PNG is a lossless file format, it is better for use on the web. When shooting raw photos, you’ll want to stick with RAW photo formats or even DNG or TIFF.
When to Use a JPG Photo Format
Think you’ve got a solid understanding of the difference between PNG vs. JPG? Now you’ll need to figure out when it’s best to use each one.
For simple photo sharing and uploading images to social media platforms online, you’ll probably want to stick with a JPG photo.
It’s a widely accepted photo format and the file is a bit smaller than PNG images. Oftentimes, you’ll find that online applications won’t let you upload PNG photos, which means that you’ll have to convert the file to a JPG anyway.
If you’re not dealing with a photo that has a lot of text or lines, then a JPG will do just fine.
Photos with defined lines tend to look a little blurry when you’re dealing with a JPG, which is why experts suggest exporting logos and other illustrated images as a PNG.
JPG also supports both RBG and CMYK color spaces in 24-bit, but the RBG color spectrum looks best for this photo format.
It’s best to avoid using JPG as your file format if you’re looking to print in grayscale. The color offerings and compression issues look better in RGB than they do in grayscale.
When to Use a PNG Photo Format
For any kind of professional graphic design or high-quality photo sharing, PNG is the clear way to go.
First of all, it’s a file format that supports transparency. If you’ve ever worked with images in any design software, you’ll know that you need to import a PNG to ensure that they’re no white background on the text or photo.
This makes PNG photos a great option for overlaying content on top of other images or even on websites and other design materials.
When you’re looking to render a high-quality image like a logo or text, you’ll want to render it in the PNG format. It will allow you to preserve the quality of the fine lines and text better than a JPG file would.
And, you’ll find that opening, altering, and saving the file during the design process doesn’t affect the quality of the image.
Who Wins in the PNG vs. JPG Debate?
So, who’s the winner when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? It really depends on what you’re going to do with the photo file!
It’s easy to say that PNG is the clear winner, as the image quality is usually higher. However, certain online platforms and photo sharing apps don’t allow you to upload PNGs.
This means that for basic photography needs and online photo sharing, you’ll probably be better off with a JPG photo.
For web graphics like logos and design elements, stick with a PNG photo. They’ll offer you the benefit of the transparent background and the quality will be much higher than that of another kind of file.
If you take a lot of screenshots online, then you’ll definitely want to save them as a PNG.
College students, for example, who take screenshots of online material to then annotate later will notice that a PNG doesn’t lose its quality each time they edit it.
Converting Your Files with Ease
Do you think you have a preference when it comes to PNG vs. JPG? Maybe you do, but now you need to convert that file to another kind of file.
This is normal, as many different industries require different kinds of file formats.
If your client, teacher, or somebody else needs a PDF file but you’ve saved all of your photos as PNGs, then don’t worry!
You can easily convert your files into PDFs using our free file conversion tool.