Difference between JPG, PNG, and WebP Image Formats

When it comes to digital images, most of the time you are faced with file formats like JPG, PNG, and WebP. Each of these formats has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and applications. Recognising the differences can help you select the appropriate format for your website, social media, or personal projects. In this article we will discuss what the differences are between JPG, PNG, and WebP and teach you how to easily change between the formats using an online image converter.

What is a JPG Image Format?

JPEG, also referred to as JPG, is one of the most popular image formats used on the internet. As a compressed image format, JPG is ideal for quickly uploading and sharing photos since it keeps file sizes small. In fact, this is most likely the reason that photos taken on cameras or smartphones are typically saved as JPGs.

JPG files are small in comparison to other file formats, which helps JPEG images load faster on websites. However, the downside of the small file size is that image quality is diminished, especially if you edit and save the image multiple times. Nevertheless, JPG is great for photos and images where small detail is not as significant.

What is a PNG Image Format?

PNG refers to Portable Network Graphics. PNG formats utilise lossless compression, unlike JPG, which allows for the image quality to remain the same after even being saved multiple times. For images where clarity and sharpness are a priority, PNG is the best option. 

PNG also supports transparency, allowing designers to create logos, icons, or graphics that can have see-through backgrounds. As a rule, PNG files are bigger in size than JPG, meaning they can slow down the loading time of a website after using too many PNG images.

What is a WebP Image Format?

WebP is a contemporary image format created by Google. It is designed to combine the best points of JPG and PNG into one format. It uses newer compression techniques to create smaller image files without sacrificing much quality.

WebP supports lossy and lossless compression, meaning you can either compress files to a smaller size or maximise quality. WebP also supports transparency, like PNG, and animation, like GIF. Many websites are using WebP today because it allows for faster loading pages while still maintaining image quality.

Comparing JPG, PNG, and WebP

Each of these formats has its own purpose. JPG is great for photos, PNG works well for designs and graphics, and WebP combines the best features of both. Below is a simple comparison to help you decide:

• JPG: Best for photographs and web images where speed matters more than sharpness.
  
  

• PNG: Best for graphics, logos, and images that need transparency and detail.
  
  

• WebP: Best for modern websites that need both quality and small file sizes.
  
  

Why File Size Matters

When it comes to digital images, file size matters. A large image can take a long time to upload, slow down a website and use more storage. The right format is important in balancing image quality and speed. For example, a WebP image is up to 30% smaller than a JPG of the same quality. These are a few reasons why WebP is now used to speed up websites.

When to Use an Online Image Converter

Sometimes, you may need to switch an image from one format to another. For example, a designer may need to convert a JPG to a PNG to keep transparency, or a website owner may want to convert a PNG to WebP for faster speed. This is where an online image converter comes in handy.

An online image converter is quick, simple, and does not require special software. You just upload your file, choose the format you want, and download the converted image. It saves time and ensures you always have the right format for your needs.

Final Thoughts

JPG, PNG, and WebP are three popular image formats, each with unique benefits. JPG is perfect for photos, PNG is best for graphics, and WebP is the future of web images with its balance of quality and small size. Choosing the right format depends on your project, but if you ever need to switch between them, an online image converter is the easiest solution. Need to change your images into the right format? FileMagicHub makes it simple with its online image converter. Whether you want to convert JPG to PNG, PNG to WebP, or any other format, our tool is fast, reliable, and free to use. Try it today at FileMagicHub and make your images ready for every platform.