Comparison
JPG vs PNG: which image format is better?
By Mergevanta · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
What is the difference between JPG and PNG?
JPG uses lossy compression, so photos stay small but lose a little detail each time they are saved. PNG is lossless and supports transparency, so screenshots, logos and text stay perfectly sharp at a larger file size. Use JPG for photos and PNG for screenshots, graphics and anything with text.
JPG vs PNG at a glance
| JPG (JPEG) | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| Transparency | No | Yes |
| File size for photos | Small | Much larger |
| Sharp text and lines | Can blur or show artefacts | Stays crisp |
| Colour depth | 8 bits per channel | Up to 16 bits per channel |
| Best for | Photos and colour scans | Screenshots, logos, diagrams and text |
Which is better for a PDF?
For photos and colour scans, JPG keeps the PDF small. For screenshots, charts and pages of text, PNG stays sharper. Mergevanta embeds both without re-compressing them, so the PDF keeps exactly the quality of your originals — use JPG to PDF, PNG to PDF or Images to PDF for a mix.
Does converting between them lose quality?
Saving a PNG as a JPG applies lossy compression, and any transparent areas become a solid colour. Saving a JPG as a PNG doesn't bring back detail that was already lost — it only stops further loss from future saves.