Image Formats Explained: JPEG vs PNG vs WEBP vs AVIF
Choosing the right format is the easiest win for smaller, sharper images. Here is what each one is good at and how to convert between them in your browser.
Updated June 2026 · 7 min read
JPEG — photos
JPEG (or JPG — the same format) uses lossy compression that is excellent for photographs. It has no transparency. Convert to it with PNG to JPG or Image to JPG.
PNG — graphics & transparency
PNG is lossless and supports an alpha (transparency) channel — ideal for logos, screenshots and cut-outs. Convert with JPG to PNG. Learn more about transparency in our alpha channel glossary entry.
WEBP & AVIF — modern web
WEBP and AVIF deliver smaller files than JPEG/PNG at similar quality and both support transparency. They are ideal for websites. Convert with JPG to WEBP or PNG to WEBP; convert back for compatibility with WEBP to JPG or WEBP to PNG.
See also lossy vs lossless to understand the quality trade-offs.