Choosing the right image format can significantly impact your website's performance and visual quality. Let's break down the three most common formats: JPG, PNG, and SVG.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | JPG | PNG | SVG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | No | Yes | Yes |
| Scalability | Limited | Limited | Infinite |
| Best for | Photos | Graphics with transparency | Logos, icons |
| File size | Small | Medium | Very small (simple graphics) |
| Quality loss | Yes (lossy) | No (lossless) | No |
JPG (JPEG) Format
What is JPG?
JPG uses lossy compression, meaning it removes some image data to reduce file size. This makes it perfect for photographs where small quality losses aren't noticeable.
When to Use JPG:
- Photographs
- Complex images with many colors
- Social media images
- Email attachments
- When file size is critical
When NOT to Use JPG:
- Logos (quality degrades with each save)
- Graphics with text
- Images needing transparency
- Simple graphics with few colors
PNG Format
What is PNG?
PNG uses lossless compression, preserving all image data. It supports transparency, making it ideal for web graphics.
When to Use PNG:
- Images with transparency
- Screenshots
- Graphics with text
- Images you'll edit multiple times
- Web graphics with sharp edges
When NOT to Use PNG:
- Large photographs (file size too big)
- When transparency isn't needed
- Print materials at high resolution
SVG Format
What is SVG?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector format using mathematical paths instead of pixels. It scales infinitely without quality loss.
When to Use SVG:
- Logos and brand marks
- Icons
- Simple illustrations
- Animated graphics
- UI elements
- Responsive web graphics
When NOT to Use SVG:
- Photographs
- Complex detailed illustrations
- Images with many gradients
File Size Comparison
For a simple logo (500x500 pixels):
- JPG: ~30KB
- PNG: ~50KB
- SVG: ~5KB
For a photograph (1920x1080 pixels):
- JPG: ~200KB
- PNG: ~2MB
- SVG: Not recommended
Converting Between Formats
JPG/PNG to SVG
Use ConvImg's vectorizer to convert raster images to scalable vectors.
PNG to JPG
For photos that don't need transparency, convert to JPG to reduce file size.
SVG to PNG
Export SVG at specific dimensions when you need raster output.
Web Performance Tips
- Use SVG for icons - Smaller file size, infinite scalability
- Compress JPGs - Use 80% quality for web images
- Optimize PNGs - Remove unnecessary metadata
- Consider WebP - Modern format with better compression
Making the Right Choice
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does it need transparency? → PNG or SVG
- Is it a photograph? → JPG
- Does it need to scale? → SVG
- Is it a logo or icon? → SVG
- Is file size critical? → JPG or SVG
Conclusion
There's no "best" format - each has its place:
- JPG: Photographs and complex images
- PNG: Graphics with transparency
- SVG: Logos, icons, and scalable graphics
Use the right format for your needs, and don't hesitate to convert between them when necessary.
Need to convert images? Try ConvImg - Convert between any format for free!