Choosing the right image format can make the difference between a page that loads in 1 second or 4. JPG, PNG and WebP have distinct strengths and specific use cases. In this guide we explain when to use each one with concrete examples.
Created in 1992, it's the most widely used format in the world for digital photography. It uses lossy compression, meaning it discards certain image information to reduce file size.
JPG compression level is expressed as a quality percentage (0–100%). For web use, 70–85% offers a good balance. Below 60%, visible artifacts start to appear — that characteristic "blocky" effect seen in over-compressed photos.
Launched in 1996 as a GIF replacement, it uses lossless compression: the image is reconstructed exactly as the original. This makes it perfect for images requiring precision.
Golden rule: if the image has solid backgrounds, text or elements with sharp edges → PNG. If it's a photograph → JPG or WebP.
Developed by Google in 2010, it combines the best of JPG and PNG: supports both lossy and lossless compression, transparency, and produces significantly smaller files than both.
| Feature | JPG | PNG | WebP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression type | Lossy | Lossless | Both |
| Transparency | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Animations | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Size (photography) | Baseline | +30–50% | -25–35% |
| Size (graphics/text) | Poor | Baseline | -25% |
| Browser support | 100% | 100% | 97%+ |
| Editing software | Universal | Universal | Growing |
| Best for | Photos | Graphics/UI | Everything (web) |
General recommendation for 2025: use WebP as your primary format for the web. Convert your existing JPGs and PNGs to WebP for the best combination of quality and performance.
The easiest way to convert images between JPG, PNG and WebP is to use an online tool that works directly in your browser, with no software to install and no files uploaded to external servers.
ComprimirPro lets you convert between JPG, PNG and WebP in seconds, free and without registration. Your files never leave your browser.
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