Choosing the wrong image format is one of the most common web design mistakes. Let's break down the technical differences between JPG and PNG so you can select the perfect format for your files.
When to Use JPG
JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is optimized for complex gradients, continuous tones, and photography. It excels at compressing rich color ranges into compact, manageable files. If your image contains millions of blending colors, JPG is the undisputed champion.
When to Use PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless format designed for digital assets. It features full alpha channel support for pixel-perfect transparency, making it ideal for logos, icons, vector art, and high-contrast text graphics. PNG preserves crisp, sharp borders but results in extremely large files if used for photographs.