Key takeaways
- JPG is usually best for photos because the files are small. PNG is better for sharp graphics and transparency.
- Converting JPG to PNG does not add back detail that the JPG already lost.
- PNG files from photos are usually bigger than JPG files.
- Both conversions run in your browser, so your pictures are not uploaded.
The difference in one table
| JPG | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Photos | Logos, icons, screenshots, graphics with text |
| Compression | Lossy: smaller files, some detail is discarded | Lossless: keeps all detail |
| Transparency | Not supported | Supported |
| File size for a photo | Small | Usually much larger |
| Repeated saving | Can lose a little quality each time | Does not degrade |
When you should convert JPG to PNG
- You want to edit the picture and avoid more quality loss on every save.
- You need a format that can hold transparent areas for a design or presentation.
- A tool or form asks for PNG specifically.
Be realistic about the result. A PNG made from a JPG looks the same as the JPG. The format stops further loss, but it cannot recover detail that was already thrown away.
How to convert JPG to PNG
- Open JPG to PNG and add your photo.
- Let the conversion run, then download the PNG.
- If the PNG is too heavy, reduce it with Compress Image or change its dimensions with Resize Photo.
Going the other way, PNG to JPG makes a lighter file. Transparent areas are filled with a solid background colour because JPG cannot hold transparency.
What about WebP?
WebP files are often smaller than JPG or PNG, which helps web pages load faster. If you are preparing images for a site, try Image to WebP. If someone sends you a WebP that will not open in your software, WebP to JPG converts it.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting JPG to PNG improve quality?
No. The picture stays the same. It does not restore detail already lost in the JPG.
Why is my PNG file bigger than the JPG?
PNG keeps all detail without lossy compression, so photos usually make larger files.
Is it safe to convert my photos online?
With Toolkitties the conversion happens in your browser and the photo is not uploaded.