Use PNG when exact pixels matter
PNG is a lossless image format, which makes it useful for screenshots, interface captures, icons, logos, diagrams, and graphics with transparency. It preserves sharp edges and text better than heavy JPG compression.
That precision can create large files. A screenshot with many colors or a photo saved as PNG can be much heavier than a JPG or WebP copy.
- Use PNG for transparency and crisp graphics.
- Crop screenshots before sharing to remove private surroundings.
- Convert to WebP or JPG when the PNG is only needed for web delivery.
Transparency and backgrounds
PNG supports alpha transparency, so it is common for logos, overlays, and cutout images. When converting PNG to JPG, transparent pixels must be flattened onto a background color.
Before sharing a flattened image, check edges and shadows. A transparent logo converted on the wrong background can show halos when placed on a page.
PNG conversion choices
Convert PNG to WebP when you want smaller browser-delivered graphics while keeping transparency. Convert PNG to JPG when the image is photographic or when a platform does not accept PNG.
Keep a PNG master for editing if the file contains transparent layers, sharp text, or design assets that may be changed again.