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JPEG vs. PNG: Understanding the Differences and When to Use Them
29 January, 2023

JPEG vs. PNG: Understanding the Differences and When to Use Them


Regarding image file formats, JPEG and PNG are two of the most used. Both formats have unique strengths and weaknesses; the choice depends on the specific project and design. This blog post will compare the differences between JPEGs and PNGs. It also includes file size, quality, transparency, and compression. We will also explore when and why to use one format over the other, including best practices for web graphics and photos. Whether you're a designer, photographer, or just someone who wants to know more about image file formats, this post will provide a comprehensive overview of JPEG and PNG.

What is a JPEG file?

A JPEG file, also known as a "Joint Photographic Experts Group" file, is a type of image file format that uses lossy compression to reduce file size without significantly affecting image quality. It is commonly used for photographs and other images on the internet, as well as in digital cameras and other devices. JPEG files are recognized by the file extension ".jpg" or ".jpeg". They are generally smaller than other image file formats, such as TIFF or PNG, making them more suitable for web pages and email attachments. Learn more about JPEG.

What is a PNG file?

A PNG (Portable Network Graphics) file is an image file that uses lossless data compression to reduce file size while maintaining high image quality. It often uses for graphics and icons on the web and supports transparent backgrounds. PNG files can also handle a more comprehensive range of colors than GIFs. They are commonly used to store graphics and icons with transparent backgrounds. Most web browsers and image-editing software support them. Learn more about PNG.

What is the difference between JPEG and PNG files?

JPEG and PNG are two different image file formats. 

File Sizes.

JPEG files are generally smaller than PNG files, making them more suitable for web pages and email attachments. 

Quality.

JPEG uses lossy compression, which can result in a slight loss of quality with image compression. PNG uses lossless compression, meaning the image quality remains the same, but the file size is more extensive. 

Transparency.

JPEG format does not support transparency as it is designed for photographic images and uses lossy compression. PNG format, on the other hand, supports transparency through an alpha channel and uses lossless compression, making it a better choice for images with transparent backgrounds or sharp lines and text.

Compression.

JPEG uses lossy compression, which is a method of reducing file size by discarding some image data. PNG uses lossless compression, which is a method of reducing file size without discarding any image data. 

Web Graphics and Photos.

JPEG is commonly used for photographs and other images on the internet, as well as in digital cameras and other devices. PNG is widely used for web graphics, such as logos and icons, because it supports transparency.

Are JPEGs and PNGs raster or vector files?

JPEGs and PNGs are raster file types. Raster graphics, also known as bitmap graphics, consist of tiny pixels, each with its color value. A grid of pixels composes JPEG and PNG files, with each pixel representing a specific color and intensity. Raster images are best for photographs and other images with a lot of color and detail. Because pixels define raster graphics, scaling up causes a loss of quality. It will become pixelated if you try to make a raster image more prominent.

Vector formats like SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) are best for illustrations and graphics that need resizing frequently. Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing quality, making them perfect for logos, icons, and other graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions about JPEG vs. PNG

Is JPEG or PNG better?

It depends on the specific use case. JPEG is great for photographs and other images because it uses lossy compression. You can compress it without losing too much quality, making it perfect for web and email use. PNGs are great for graphics and icons on the web because they support transparency and use lossless compression.

Is JPEG or PNG better for printing?

PNG is typically considered the best choice for printing as it uses lossless compression and maintains the quality of the image. JPEG is not the best option for printing because it uses lossy compression, which can result in a loss of quality when the image is enlarged.

Does JPEG or PNG have better quality?

PNG generally has better quality than JPEG due to its lossless compression, which preserves all the original image data. At the same time, JPEG uses lossy compression, which discards some image data to reduce file size, which may result in a loss of quality. 
PNG images are more extensive than JPEGs but preserve the image's original quality. Both file formats have advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice depends on the specific needs of the image or graphic.

Why is PNG better than JPEG?

PNG is better than JPEG for preserving image quality because it uses lossless compression, which means reduction does not lose any image data. PNG also supports transparency, which JPEG does not support. 
Additionally, PNG is more suitable for images with sharp edges, text, and graphics as it does not cause distortion or loss of detail. In contrast, JPEG uses lossy compression, which can result in a loss of quality when the image is enlarged.

When to use JPEG vs. PNG?

JPEG is best for photographs and other images with a lot of color and detail. It is also a good choice for web images.
PNG is best for graphics and icons on the web because it supports transparency, uses lossless compression, and is more suitable for images with sharp edges, text, and graphics.

Is JPEG or PNG better for editing?

Regarding editing, PNG is generally considered a better option than JPEG. PNG uses lossless compression, which means it preserves all of the data in an image and does not cause distortion or loss of detail when edited. This makes it ideal for images that will be revised multiple times or resized frequently.
When editing a JPEG image, this deleted data is unrecoverable. They may cause distortion or loss of quality, mainly when the image is edited several times or resized continuously.

PNG vs. JPEG vs. SVG

PNG, JPEG, and SVG are all image file formats, but they are used for different types of images and have different strengths and weaknesses. PNG uses lossless compression and supports transparency. JPEG uses lossy compression and is best for photographs. SVG is a vector image format and is best for graphics, logos, and illustrations that need to be resized without losing quality.

Does Cricut use JPG or PNG?

Cricut design space uses both files, JPG or PNG. It would be best if you considered the projects that suit you more. 
Suppose you're working with photographs or images with a lot of color and detail. In that case, JPEG is a good choice as it uses lossy compression to reduce file size without significantly affecting image quality.
However, suppose you're working with graphics, icons, or images that require transparency. In that case, PNG is the better choice because it uses lossless compression and supports transparency.

Do you use JPEG or PNG for sublimation?

When JPEG vs. PNG for sublimation, PNG is generally considered a better option than JPEG. PNG supports transparency and uses lossless compression, which preserves the image's quality and allows for more accurate color reproduction when the image is printed. Additionally, PNG images retain their sharpness and details, essential when printing on a sublimation transfer paper.

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