Guides / FreeTools Lab

JPG, PNG or WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

A simple guide to choosing a format based on photographs, transparency and browser delivery.

Use JPG for photographs

JPEG is often efficient for photos with many colors. Quality settings trade file size against fine detail, and repeated editing can introduce artifacts.

Use PNG for sharp graphics

PNG is useful for screenshots, diagrams and transparency. It can be larger than JPEG for photographs.

Use WebP for web delivery

WebP can reduce a web image while retaining quality in modern browsers. Keep a compatible fallback when your audience or workflow requires one.

Try the related browser tools, then inspect the output before using it in your own workflow.