Are you sure you are saving your image files in the right format?
There are many different file formats when it comes to saving images, all with their pros and cons. The two you will most likely find are JPEG and PNG. But do you know when to use each image file type?
Read on for our guide comparing JPEG vs PNG to find the best image file for your needs.
What is a JPEG?
A JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most popular form for images. When it saves, it compresses the data to make the image smaller
This is why phone cameras, digital cameras, and DSLRs offer it as one of their output formats. You can store more pictures on the memory card this way.
The advantage of JPEGs is it’s able to display over 16 million colors and can store 24 bits per pixel! This means you can use high-resolution pictures but in a smaller file size.
This makes downloads and transfers quicker. For this reason, JPG/JPEG might be the best image format for web usage. But like everything, there is a cost.
For JPEG, the bonus of superior compression comes in the form of a loss in image quality. Each time you save or edit the JPEG, it loses a little more quality.
JPG vs JPEG
When you view the formats of images you’ve downloaded, you might notice a mix of JPEG and JPG. You might have wondered at some point if there is a difference. In short, there isn’t any.
JPG only exists due to the fact that older versions of Windows had a max-limit of 3 letters for file formats. Linux and Mac didn’t have this limit.
So, for those operating systems they used the .jpeg extension. While Windows used .jpg so that it didn’t exceed the 3-letter limit put in place. This is the only difference between a JPG and JPEG file.
What is a PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a format that offers compression without quality loss. It can cope with varied background transparency, and you can adjust brightness.
You can also add effects to it. Like JPEG, it can hold 24 bits per pixel, and display an RGB color palette. For this reason, it’s considered the best option if you’re editing if you don’t have access to TIFF or RAW.
With a PNG file, even after you’ve edited the image you can resave an action in the highest quality. But the cost of keeping the high quality of the image comes at the price of a much larger file size.
Why Use Different Formats?
The reason is simple: compression of the images.
It’s all about lowering the size of the file without losing too much image quality. The general rule is the stronger the compression, the smaller the file size, and the lower the quality.
Getting image compression right isn’t about going too far one way or another. It’s about finding the perfect compromise between quality and size to meet your needs.
Think of looking at a high-resolution image on your computer. You’ve already got the file and it’s not compressed. Because it’s saved to your computer, you can open it and look at it when you want. It’ll open as soon as you click it.
If you use this same file on a website though, when the webpage downloads, so does the image. Not even the fastest connections can keep up with the demand or large file sizes. It can take several seconds to load up, or fail to load at all.
When it comes to website loading, speed is king. You don’t have the extra seconds to spare as people won’t wait for your image to load. If it takes longer than 3 seconds to load, 40% of users will click off your website.
This is where the beauty of image compression comes in. When you find the right fit for your needs, you don’t have to sacrifice too much quality. But, your webpages will thank you for it with great loading speeds.
A Rule to Remember
If you hang on to only one thing, it should be the following:
JPEG should be the file format you pick for photographs. If you’re saving graphics or screenshots, then choose PNG.
The general rule is if the image has a lot of gradients, textures, and colors, JPEG is the way to go. Anything with sharp lines, text, flat colors, then PNG will perform better.
Work Out When to Pick JPEG vs PNG
So, now you know the difference how do you decide between JPEG vs PNG? Should you use only one of them or a mixture of both? Here are the rules for each of the formats to help answer this.
Choose JPEG
JPEG will be perfect for the following applications.
Photo Albums
If you’re sharing a bulk batch of photos (like in a photo album) JPEG is the best bet. Due to the smaller size and faster loading times, you’ll get a smoother, quicker transfer. You also get a consistent, even finish to the photos themselves.
Opaque Images
JPEG doesn’t allow transparency as PNG does. If you don’t need transparency on an image, it’s a safe option to go with a JPEG file format.
Complex Images
In comparison to PNG, there will be some quality loss on a JPEG image. But, for complex images (like photos), you’re unlikely to notice it. So, it’s a great idea to enjoy the benefit of a smaller file size, without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Choose PNG
Here are the situations where your best bet will be to choose a PNG file format.
Transparent Images
Transparency is where you want an image to blend into the page you’re using it on. In this situation, you don’t have the hard edges of an opaque background. As JPEG doesn’t allow for it, you want to go with PNG which does.
Images Using Hard Lines
When you lose image quality, pixilation will be noticeable on images that use hard lines. Think of things like logos and text. It’s better to stick with PNG for the best results on these images.
Portfolios
Compared with JPEG, PNG will give you the best image quality. If you want your images to be the best they can to impress, this is the way to go. Think of online portfolios where you’re showcasing your work. In these cases, the bigger file size will be worth the boost in the quality of your images.
Don’t Stress Over JPEG vs PNG
So there you have it! Now you know the breakdown between JPEG vs PNG you’re sure to get the right format for your needs.
Some people will prefer to work with only one of these image formats. They want to keep it streamlined, with quality staying roughly the same across the board.
The best approach though would be to approach each situation case-by-case if you can. You want to always go with the right file format for the image and its intended use. This is how you’ll get the best results.
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