PNG vs JPG vs WebP vs HEIC: Which Format Should You Use?
Published: 2026-09-17
PNG: Best for Graphics and Transparency
PNG uses lossless compression, so it never loses quality no matter how many times you save it. That makes it the right choice for logos, icons, screenshots, and any image that needs a transparent background. The tradeoff is file size — PNG files are usually much larger than JPG or WebP for photos with lots of colors and detail.
JPG: Best for Photos
JPG uses lossy compression tuned for photographs, discarding detail the human eye barely notices. It's supported everywhere — every browser, phone, printer, and photo app — which makes it the safest default for real-world photos where small file size matters more than pixel-perfect accuracy.
WebP: The Modern All-Rounder
WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression and handles transparency like PNG, usually at 25-35% smaller file sizes than JPG or PNG at similar quality. It's supported by all modern browsers, making it a strong default for websites — just keep a JPG or PNG copy if you need to share the image somewhere that hasn't caught up yet.
HEIC: Apple's Efficient Photo Format
HEIC is what iPhones save photos as by default. It compresses more efficiently than JPG at the same visual quality, which is great for saving space on your phone — but it's poorly supported outside Apple's ecosystem, so most people convert it to JPG before sharing. See our dedicated HEIC compression guide for the details.
Quick Decision Guide
When in doubt, match the format to what the image actually is and where it's going.
- Logo, icon, or screenshot with sharp edges → PNG
- Real-world photo for general sharing or printing → JPG
- Any image going on a website where load speed matters → WebP
- Straight off an iPhone, not going anywhere yet → HEIC is fine, convert to JPG before sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this tool convert between all of these formats?
Yes. Upload an image in any of these formats and choose PNG, JPG, or WebP as your output — HEIC is automatically converted to JPG since that's the most universally compatible target.
Does converting formats remove my photo's location or camera data (EXIF)?
Re-encoding an image for compression typically strips most EXIF metadata, including GPS location. If you need to preserve that data for a specific purpose, keep a copy of the original file.
Which format should I use if I'm not sure?
JPG is the safest general-purpose choice for photos, and PNG is the safest choice for anything with sharp lines, text, or transparency. WebP is worth using specifically for websites.