PNG, JPEG, and WebP: which image format should you use?
A simple guide to choosing an output format based on transparency, photographs, editing, and file size.
September 2, 2026There is no single best image format. The right choice depends on whether you need transparency, maximum photographic compatibility, or a smaller file for the web.
Use PNG for transparency
PNG is a strong choice when you need a transparent background or want lossless image data. Background-removed graphics are a common example because the transparent pixels are part of the result.
Use JPEG for photographs
JPEG is widely supported and efficient for photographic images. It uses lossy compression, so repeatedly editing and re-saving JPEGs can gradually reduce quality.
Consider WebP for the web
WebP can provide smaller files while supporting transparency and modern web delivery. For a website, smaller images can improve page weight, but you should still consider the browsers and systems that need to open the files.
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