PNG, JPG, or JPEG: What is the Difference Between These Image Formats and How to Choose Them?
PNG is a preferred format for editing while JPEG is the most common image format for storing images
PNG
PNG, which stands for Portable Networks Graphics, is a popular raster-based graphics format that is mostly used in image editing. PNG is a non-patented format that follows a lossless compression technique to maintains the overall quality of images.
Instead of compressing the whole image at once, PNG supports a pixel-to-pixel compression that retains the original image quality. Though, the biggest advantage of PNG is that it supports transparency. This means the background of PNG images can be transparent so that we can easily overlay them on any other image.
The PNG format also has a few major variants such as APNG, PNG-8 (with 1-bit transparency and 256 colors), and PNG-24 (that supports 16 million colors).
Pros
Supports transparency in image backgrounds, making it ideal for editing and display.
PNG follows a lossless compression, maintaining the original quality of the image.
With PNG, you can easily add details about the metadata of the images or work on different layers.
Cons
PNG does not support native EXIF details.
The overall compression technique in PNG is not that great as the files size would be pretty large.
No support for animation.
JPG or JPEG
Difference between JPG and JPEG
Ideally, both JPG and JPEG are the same formats and there is no difference between these image extensions. The format stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group and was initially released in 1992. At that time, Windows PC would only support file formats in three characters, and thus, JPEG was shortened to JPG to make it compatible with Windows. On the other hand, Mac and Linux systems kept using JPEG.
About JPEG
JPEG, which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the most popular image format in the world. It follows a lossy compression technique that can compress your files to a 10:1 ratio. The format follows the discrete cosine transformation technique and is widely used to transfer, store, and post images on different platforms.
Since JPEG can store EXIF details, it is extensively used to capture images on phones and digital cameras. Furthermore, due to its excellent compression results, it has become a dominant format for social media, websites, and online portals.
Pros
JPEG is the most widely supported file format for every major device and platform.
It provides excellent compression results (up to 10:1 compression ratio).
JPEG has integrated support to EXIF information.
Cons
The quality of the image would be compromised (since it supports lossy compression).
It does not support transparency (like PNG).
PNG, JPG, or JPEG: Which Format Should I Use?
For Image Editing
Ideally, both PNG and JPEG formats are extensively used in image editing and are supported by several applications. Though, if you want to maintain the original quality of the image, then consider going with PNG formats for editing. If you want, you can always export the PNG image into a supported JPEG format later on.
For Storing your Photos
If you simply wish to store a lot of photos in limited space, then JPEG would be a preferred option. This is because PNG follows a lossless compression technique, and its images can consume a lot of space. On the other hand, JPEG can drastically compress images while making them smaller and saving your storage space.
For Image Printing
In image printing, we prefer images of higher quality so that their pixels wont be stretched or distorted. Thats why a format like PNG would be ideal for image printing. Though, if you have a JPEG image of high quality, then you can consider it for image printing as well.
For Websites
On websites and social media platforms, both PNG and JPEG formats are extensively used. PNG is mostly used to display logos, banners, and illustrations that need a transparent background. Apart from that, JPEG is a more acceptable format to display images on all kinds of websites and social media platforms.
For Image Transfer
Since JPEG images would consume far less space than PNG images and are of smaller sizes, they are recommended for image transfer. For instance, you can transfer more JPEG in less time compared to PNG. Nevertheless, if you want to maintain the quality of images in the transfer process, then you can go with the PNG format as well.
Troubleshooting Tips to Use PNG, JPG, or JPEG Images
Avoid Forceful Conversion
Firstly, try not to convert your pictures from one format to another forceful. If you are doing so, then make sure you use any reliable converting tool that wont corrupt your images in the process.
Use Compatible Editors
It has been observed that editors and other third-party tools often end up corrupting images if the format is not supported by them. Therefore, before you edit your photos, make sure that the editor supports the designated format.
What to Do If My PNG/JPEG Files Are Corrupted?
At times, while transferring, storing, or editing our images, they can get corrupted due to numerous reasons. In this case, you can consider using any reliable photo repairing tool like Wondershare Repairit.