There are 750 billion images online but they do not just range in size, color, and picture. Photos are also different because of the way they are saved. And the two main formats for saving photos are JPG and PNG.
If you are designing a website or just trying to create a photo library then you should know what format will help optimize space and improve quality.
See below to know the difference between JPG and PNG and when to use each.
What is a JPG?
JPG files stand for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The format was launched in 1992 as a way to compress large images for digital sharing.
Making the images smaller is also helpful when uploading images to a webpage as this improves the page’s loading speed.
Compression makes sharing and loading possible but, JPGs lower the quality of the photo. This is because data needs to be deleted to make it smaller. This is called lossy compression.
When to Use JPG?
Since JPG pictures lose quality when compressed they should be relatively large and contain much detail in an original. This will ensure that the image does not suffer from pixelation issues.
Photos that are part of a webpage’s headers, background images, or photography gallery should use JPG format. Using JPGs in these situations will prevent lagging when loading your website and improve your SEO score.
What is a PNG?
Created in the 1990s, PNG replaced GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) as the common format for logos and graphics. The main difference between PNG format and JPG is that PNG files do not delete any information.
The quality remains high during a lossless compression which helps keep the detail of smaller images.
Another great benefit of a PNG image is that you can make it transparent. A transparent png allows you to place the image over a webpage background and body text. That is why PNGs make great graphic files for charts, infographics, and design details.
When to Use PNG?
Large images should not be compressed and saved as PNG files as it may distort the quality and make the file too large. Instead, use PNG files for smaller photos that you wish to use as logos or transparent background images for your website.
Using a PNG format will maintain the quality, making your graphics look sharp and clean.
Your decision to use JPG or PNG formatting depends also on how you are using the photo. If it is a social photo just for sharing and storing then JPG will save you space. If you are a website designer and need logos or graphics then a PNG most likely is better.
Knowing the Difference Between JPG and PNG Improves Your Work
When you know the difference between JPG and PNG then you can make the best decision when saving your photos. This makes your work as a photographer or designer more professional as your photos save you space and keep the quality where it belongs.
Check out our blog articles for more photo design tips.
