JPG, PNG, WebP, and AVIF can all display an image in a browser, but they are designed for different priorities. Choosing the right format can improve quality, reduce loading time, and prevent compatibility problems.
JPG: dependable for photographs
JPG is widely supported and works especially well for photographs. It reduces file size by simplifying visual information that people are less likely to notice. It is a reliable choice for email attachments, product photos, social images, and general sharing.
JPG does not support transparency, and repeated editing can gradually reduce quality. Use Compress JPG when broad compatibility matters.
PNG: sharp graphics and transparency
PNG uses lossless compression, so it keeps exact edges and colors. This makes it a strong choice for screenshots, logos, diagrams, interface elements, and images with transparent backgrounds.
Photographs saved as PNG can be much larger than necessary. Use Compress PNG for graphics where sharp detail matters more than the smallest possible file.
WebP: a practical web default
WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, along with transparency and animation. It often produces smaller web files than JPG or PNG at a similar visual quality. Modern browsers support it well, making it a practical option for websites and web applications.
Some older desktop applications may not handle WebP as smoothly as JPG or PNG. Use Compress WebP when your workflow supports it.
AVIF: excellent size efficiency
AVIF can provide impressive quality at very small file sizes, especially for detailed photographs and gradients. It supports transparency and modern color features. The tradeoff is that encoding can take longer, and compatibility with older tools is less universal.
Use Compress AVIF for modern websites where maximum size reduction is important.
Quick recommendations
- Photographs and universal sharing: JPG
- Screenshots, logos, and transparency: PNG
- Balanced modern web delivery: WebP
- Smallest modern web files: AVIF
Do not convert without a reason
If the current format already works for your audience, compression may be all you need. Conversion is most useful when it solves a compatibility, transparency, or performance requirement. Keep the original so you can create a different version later.