Choose an image format that fits the job.
JPG, PNG, and WebP can all store images, but they make different trade-offs. The right choice depends on what the image contains, whether it needs transparency, where it will be used, and how much quality you need to preserve.
JPG: a practical choice for photographs
JPEG uses lossy compression. It can reduce photographic images to relatively compact files, which is useful for everyday sharing and many website images. The trade-off is that repeated JPEG exports can add compression artifacts, especially around fine edges and text. JPEG does not store transparent pixels, so transparent areas need a solid background before export.
PNG: useful for transparency and crisp graphics
PNG uses lossless compression, so it preserves the pixel values of the image when saved. It supports transparency and is often useful for interface graphics, diagrams, screenshots, and logos with clear edges. Photographs saved as PNG can be much larger than a comparable JPEG, so it is not automatically the smallest choice.
WebP: a modern web image format
WebP supports both lossy and lossless compression, as well as transparency. It can offer a useful balance between visual quality and file size for web delivery. Actual savings depend on the image and export settings; converting a file to WebP does not guarantee that it will become smaller. Check that the software and publishing workflow you use support WebP.
A simple way to decide
For a photograph, start with JPG when broad compatibility and a compact file matter. For a graphic that needs transparency or exact pixel preservation, consider PNG. For a website, test WebP alongside the original and compare both file size and appearance. Keep an untouched original when you may need to export again later.
Try a format conversion
PDFRemaster includes a PNG to JPG converter and a WebP converter. Both create a separate output file in the browser. Review the result before publishing it, especially if the original includes transparency, small text, or delicate edges.