JPEG VS PNG
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Joint Photographic Experts Group and Portable Network Graphics.
JPEG
jpegAlternative extension for JPG images, widely supported across all browsers.
Pros
- Small file size
- Universal compatibility
- Adjustable compression levels
Cons
- Lossy compression
- No transparency
- Artifacts at high compression
PNG
pngLossless format supporting transparency, ideal for logos and digital art.
Pros
- Lossless quality
- Alpha channel transparency
- Wide support
Cons
- Larger file sizes than JPG
- Not good for print (RGB only)
When JPEG wins
Stay with JPEG when you need web images or digital photography. Its strengths center on small file size and a feature set native to Joint Photographic Experts Group.
When PNG wins
Choose PNG when your workflow prioritizes logos or screenshots. It delivers lossless quality plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | JPEG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/jpeg | image/png |
| Developer | Joint Photographic Experts Group | PNG Development Group |
| Release Year | 1992 | 1996 |
| Best For | Web images, Digital photography | Logos, Screenshots, Graphics with transparent backgrounds |
Need to switch?
Where JPEG still wins
Keep JPEG when you need small file size and workflows depend on web images / digital photography. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship PNG deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .jpeg glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PNG for logos while archiving originals as JPEG.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.