IMAGE GUIDE
JPEG vs. PNG vs. WebP
Choosing the right image format can be the difference between a fast-loading web page and a bloated attachment. Each format has strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends on what the image contains and how it will be used.
JPEG
JPEG is the most common format for photographs. It uses lossy compression, which means it discards some image information to create smaller files. At moderate quality settings, the loss is often invisible to the human eye.
Best for: photographs, complex images with gradients, images where small file size matters more than perfect fidelity.
Not ideal for: graphics with sharp edges, text, or images that need transparency. Compression artifacts can become visible around high-contrast edges.
PNG
PNG uses lossless compression. No image information is discarded, so the image can be re-saved without accumulating quality loss. PNG also supports transparency, making it useful for logos, icons and overlays.
Best for: graphics, diagrams, text, screenshots with sharp edges, and any image requiring transparency.
Not ideal for: large photographs. A photographic PNG can be several times larger than an equivalent JPEG or WebP.
WebP
WebP is a modern format developed by Google. It can use both lossy and lossless compression and supports transparency. For many web use cases, WebP provides smaller file sizes than JPEG or PNG while maintaining similar visual quality.
Best for: web delivery, especially when you want smaller files than JPEG for photographs or smaller files than PNG for graphics.
Not ideal for: workflows that require compatibility with very old software. Most modern browsers and image editors support WebP today.
Quick comparison
| Feature | JPEG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lossy compression | Yes | No | Yes |
| Lossless compression | No | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for photos | Yes | No | Yes |
| Best for graphics | No | Yes | Yes |
Which should you choose?
- Photographs for web or email: JPEG or WebP.
- Logos, icons, or images with transparency: PNG or WebP.
- Archival or editing masters: PNG or a high-quality original format.
- Maximum web performance: WebP when supported, with JPEG fallback.
QuakeStar's Image Resizer lets you choose JPEG, PNG or WebP output, so you can compare results for your specific image.