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Comparisons · PNG / JPEG / WebP

PNG vs JPEG vs WebP: Image Quality, Transparency, and Compatibility

PNG handles lossless compression and alpha, and is suitable for text, graphics, and transparent logos. JPEG is a lossy format for photos, and WebP supports lossless/irreversible, transparency, and animation.

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PNG vs JPEG vs WebP: Image Quality, Transparency, and Compatibility overview: Comparison criteria, Choosing for your situation, First steps to try, Operational notes
An overview of this guide’s steps and checks, not a screenshot of the app.

Who this guide is for and what to prepare

  • People who want to know the difference between PNG/JPEG/WebP
  • People who want to start with a small, safe test

What you need

  • Make a test copy leaving the original data
  • Check the compatibility conditions and storage location of the destination

Comparison criteria

PNG handles lossless compression and alpha, and is suitable for text, graphics, and transparent logos. JPEG is a lossy format for photos, and WebP supports lossless/irreversible, transparency, and animation.

Scroll horizontally to see the full table →

Comparison criteria
standardPNGJPEGWebP
compressionreversibleMainly irreversibleReversible/irreversible
transparentAlpha compatibleUsually not supportedAlpha compatible
Typical usageText/UI/transparent materialsPhotos/wide deliveryWeb distribution/transparency/animation

Choosing for your situation

Use PNG for screen explanations and original documents, JPEG for sending photos to a wider environment, and WebP for adjusting web delivery size. Check how the publishing destination handles each format as well.

For example, on a page that contains a mixture of product photos and illustrations with text, use JPEG or lossy WebP for photos and PNG or lossless WebP for logos and instructional diagrams instead of converting everything to one format. If the destination is JPEG only, compatibility will be given priority, and transparent materials will be sent a copy with the background composited. Even if it supports WebP, it is safer to keep the original PNG/JPEG if you are reusing it for printing software or old in-house tools.

First steps to try

Export the same image to three formats and compare text, dark areas, and transparency at actual size and publication width. In lossy format, the original is output every time.

  1. Duplicate the original image and export it as a PNG using an image editing app
  2. Export a JPEG with the same dimensions and record the quality settings
  3. Export WebP with the same dimensions, specifying whether it is reversible or irreversible
  4. Compare the edges of text, dark areas of photos, and transparent backgrounds at actual size and actual publication width.
  5. Post only one WebP on the CMS and open it in the target browser and share destination

Operational notes

Results vary depending on quality settings, color profiles, and metadata. When publishing, also check whether location metadata is retained.

Limitations and requirements

  • Just changing the extension does not result in conversion.
  • Lossy compression details are not returned

Frequently asked questions

Do you want to convert the screen photo to JPEG?

Compare the smearing of characters with PNG.

Is WebP always the minimum?

It varies depending on the content and settings.

Official sources and verification date

Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.

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