PNG vs JPG vs WebP: which image format to use, and how to convert safely

If your image looks blurry, huge, or has a broken background, it is often a format mismatch.

Start here:

• Converting a transparent PNG? Use PNG to WebP or keep it as PNG.
• Converting a photo? Use JPG to WebP or JPG.
• Need the fastest fix? Try PNG to JPG, and watch for transparency.

Pick PNG when you need:

• transparency (logos, overlays)
• sharp edges (icons, UI)
• lossless screenshots

If you convert a transparent PNG to JPG, the transparency will be replaced with a solid background (often white).

Pick JPG for:

• photos
• gradients and soft shading
• smaller file sizes with acceptable quality loss

JPG is not ideal for sharp UI elements; you will see halos and blocky edges.

WebP is a strong default for websites because it can be smaller than JPG and PNG while keeping good quality. It also supports transparency.

If you are sharing files with someone who uses older tools, confirm they can open WebP, or export a JPG/PNG copy.

• Do you need transparency? If yes, avoid JPG.
• Is the subject a photo? Start with JPG or WebP.
• Is the target channel performance-sensitive (web/mobile)? Prefer WebP, then JPG.
• Are you sending to an unknown toolchain? Provide a PNG/JPG fallback.

1. Pick the conversion tool you need:
   • PNG to JPG
   • JPG to PNG
   • JPG to WebP
   • PNG to WebP
2. Upload the image, choose quality if available, then convert.
3. Download the output and spot-check it:
   • Are edges crisp?
   • Did transparency survive?
   • Is the file size what you expected?

Two common workflows

• Web banner: Start with JPG → convert to WebP for production; keep PNG only if you need sharp overlays.
• Logo with transparency: Keep a master PNG → export WebP for web → offer a PNG fallback for editors that do not support WebP.

Simple QA before you ship images

• Zoom to 100% and 200%: check edges for halos and banding.
• Toggle dark/light backgrounds behind transparent assets to confirm there is no unwanted fringe.
• Compare file sizes after conversion; if WebP is not smaller than JPG, lower quality slightly and retry.
• Test on mobile and desktop; some low-end devices show banding sooner than high-end monitors.

My background turned white

You converted a transparent PNG into JPG. JPG does not support transparency. Use PNG or WebP if you need a transparent background.

The tool says the file is too big

Textavia enforces size and dimension caps to keep conversions safe and fast. Resize the image before converting, or export a smaller version.

The converted photo looks worse than expected

Increase the quality setting, or switch to WebP for better quality at smaller sizes.

Will browsers prefer WebP automatically?
Most modern browsers support WebP. Serve WebP first with a PNG/JPG fallback if you need to support legacy clients.

What quality should I pick?
Start around 80 for JPG/WebP. If banding appears, raise it; if files are too large, lower it a bit.

Can I batch-convert here?
The current tools handle one file at a time; for batches, script cwebp/imagemagick locally and use Textavia for quick checks.

• Keep transparency and shrink files with PNG to WebP.
• Convert photos for the web with JPG to WebP.
• Convert back for compatibility with WebP to JPG.

Textavia converts images through a server endpoint on this site, then returns the converted file. Conversions are limited in size and dimensions, and files are not saved as permanent uploads.