The short version: use JPG for photos, PNG for graphics with sharp edges or transparency, and WebP when you want the smallest file for the web. The rest of this guide explains why, so you can decide confidently for any image.
JPG — best for photos
JPG (also written JPEG) uses lossy compression: it throws away detail the eye barely notices to make small files. That makes it ideal for photographs, where smooth color gradients hide the loss well. It doesn't support transparency, and repeatedly re-saving a JPG slowly degrades it, so keep an original if you'll edit it many times.
PNG — best for graphics and transparency
PNG uses lossless compression, so it keeps every pixel exactly. That's perfect for screenshots, logos, icons and anything with sharp text or hard edges — and it's the go-to format when you need a transparent background. The trade-off is size: a PNG photo is usually much larger than the same photo as a JPG.
WebP — best for the web
WebP is a modern format that supports both lossy and lossless compression plus transparency. At a similar quality it's typically 25–35% smaller than JPG and far smaller than PNG, which makes pages load faster. It's supported by every current browser; the only caveat is that a few older apps and tools still don't read it, so JPG remains the safest choice for sharing with strangers.
Quick comparison
- Photos — JPG or WebP. WebP if size matters, JPG if compatibility matters.
- Screenshots & text — PNG (stays crisp), or WebP lossless for a smaller file.
- Logos & transparency — PNG, or WebP if everything that opens it is modern.
- Smallest possible file — WebP almost always wins.
- Works literally everywhere — JPG for photos, PNG for graphics.
How to convert between formats (free, no upload)
- Open the Image Converter.
- Drop your image onto the page, or click to choose it.
- Pick the output format — PNG, JPG or WebP — and adjust quality if needed.
- Click Download to save the converted file.
The converter runs entirely in your browser, so your image is never uploaded to a server. You can convert as many images as you like, in either direction, at no cost.
Is it safe and private?
Yes. Most online converters upload your file to their servers to process it. The NoCloud Tools converter does the work locally with your browser's built-in Canvas API, so the image stays on your device the entire time. There's no account, no watermark and no cost.
FAQ
- Is WebP better than JPG?
- For the web, usually yes — it's smaller at the same quality. For sharing with people on old software, JPG is safer.
- Does converting PNG to JPG lose quality?
- JPG is lossy, so a tiny amount, but it makes much smaller files. You'll also lose any transparency, which JPG can't store.
- Which format keeps a transparent background?
- PNG and WebP support transparency; JPG does not.
- Will converting upload my image?
- No. Conversion happens in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.