PNG vs. JPG: Which format is better?

We can save an image in JPEG, PNG, PDF, GIF, SVG, and many other file formats. But which is better in quality?

Have you ever thought about the earlier question besides graphic design ideas? Let us clarify that for you. Of all image formats, JPG (or JPEG) and PNG are the most popular ones.

When seen for the first time, an image displayed in both options might seem alike. But when you see it carefully, you will find differences between these two formats. You cannot say which format is better and which is not as each of them is designed for a specific purpose. You can use JPG or PNG as per your requirements for file size, image quality, and a lot more.

Before we focus on PNG vs JPG, let’s understand each file format separately.

What is JPG or JPEG?

JPEG— Joint Photographic Experts Group is a standard process of compressing digital images. It comes with a careful balance of image quality and file size that makes it ideal for online sharing. It makes this format for saving graphics in smaller sizes than BMP file format.

JPG is common among people to share images on the Web as it’s compressed. When you click pictures using or smartphones or digital camera, each of them is saved in JPG format.

It supports both CMYK and RGB colors in 24-bit. However, the CMYK offers much more variations. Modern printers, however, can handle RGB formats, but one should stick with the highest quality image format for the same purpose. You also get another option in 8-bit grayscale, but you will find its compression ratios less impressive than color images.

You can convert a file in jpg to png with ease for enhanced quality.

What is a PNG file?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) also known as ping came into existence in the mid-’90s. It came as an alternative to GIF (Graphic Interchange Format). There were limitations with GIF format that prompted the introduction of the PNG file. Now, it is one of the most widely used file formats among graphic design fraternity.

Unlike JPG file, a PNG file comes with opacity. It allows you to get a transparent background surrounding an image. It further helps you avoid colored or white boxes around an image. In case you are creating a logo design or an image with an opaque background, you would definitely want to go with a PNG file format.

When it comes to compressing, the PNG format is lossless. That means you won’t lose your data contained in your file during the procedure. The lossless comparison comes handy when you have graphics that are going through the editing process. If size is not an issue for you and if the graphics are complex, PNG comes as a suitable format.

PNG vs JPG— which is better?

You might find yourself in a confusing situation when it comes to deciding which is better png or jpg. But, let us tell you neither file format is better than each other. What you require focusing on is which is suitable for your specific needs?

If you would like to share a picture from your mobile phone or digital camera of social media channels, it is best to go for a JPG file format. It is because the size is smaller and well optimized. It is also supported across various platforms.

However, if you are using a screenshot or a logo and plan to archive it for later use, opt for the PNG file format. You may find the file size larger than a JPEG file, but you won’t be losing the quality of the picture. Each pixel in a PNG file is sharp no matter how many times you save it or open it.

Designers at Designhill or other platforms often choose a PNG format to save graphics such as logos. The transparency allows them to do the changes or edit the image with ease.

Henna Ray Bio:-

Hola! I am Heena Ray and I am a freelance graphic designer. I am also an aspiring blogger. I use Designhill to connect with prospective clients. An expert on various tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Coral Draw, I have successfully designed several application interfaces, android apps, logo designs, business card designs, letterhead designs, envelop designs, flyer designs, brochure designs, web banners, etc. I write about my experience in my posts on Designhill Blog.

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