JPG vs PNG vs WebP vs AVIF: Choose an Image Format

Which image format should I choose?

Choose JPG for a photograph when broad compatibility and adjustable file size matter. Choose PNG for transparency, screenshots, diagrams, or pixels that should not receive lossy compression. Choose WebP when you want adjustable quality with transparency support. Choose AVIF when a supported destination accepts it and you can test the actual encoded result. The best choice depends on the image and where it will be used; changing the extension alone does not improve quality.

Scroll the table to compare all columns.

What does conversion change?

PDF Logic has two conversion workspaces with different uploaders and controls. Convert to JPG accepts JPEG, PNG, static WebP, static AVIF, and supported single-image HEIC/HEIF files. Because JPG has no alpha channel, transparent pixels are flattened onto the background colour you choose. Some HEIC variants cannot be decoded, and HDR or wide-gamut appearance may change.

Convert from JPG uses the shared JPG, PNG, and WebP uploader, then exports PNG, WebP, or AVIF when the required local encoder is available. PNG cannot restore detail discarded by an earlier JPG encode, and converting an opaque JPG does not create a transparent subject.

The PNG specification defines an alpha channel for transparency. The WebP container specification describes lossy, lossless, and alpha data, while the Alliance for Open Media publishes the AVIF specification. For the underlying format details, see the W3C PNG specification and Google’s WebP container specification.

Convert to JPG

1. Add up to 30 JPEG, PNG, static WebP, static AVIF, or supported single-image HEIC/HEIF files, subject to the displayed byte and pixel limits.
2. Choose JPG quality, a background for transparent pixels, and any smaller maximum dimensions. A file-size target can lower quality but does not silently resize.
3. Prepare the JPG and compare its actual byte size, dimensions, colour, and detail with the source. Source metadata is removed and output uses sRGB.

Convert from JPG

1. Add a still JPG, PNG, or WebP image to the shared editor. HEIC and AVIF are not accepted by this uploader.
2. Choose PNG, WebP, or AVIF output. WebP and AVIF have adjustable quality, and WebP also offers a lossless option.
3. Prepare the result and inspect edges, gradients, text, transparency, colour, dimensions, and actual byte size. Open it in the destination application before replacing the source.

Common format mistakes

• A transparent logo gets a white rectangle: use PNG or WebP output, or choose the intended JPG background before export.
• A PNG made from a JPG is still soft: conversion preserves the decoded pixels; it cannot reconstruct discarded detail.
• An AVIF or HEIC will not upload in the shared editor: use the dedicated Convert to JPG workspace. Some HEIC/HEIF variants remain undecodable there.
• The output is larger: compare actual bytes and settings. Keep the source or try a different format; no format wins for every image.

For decisions about pixel dimensions versus encoded size, continue with Compress vs resize images. For a broader browser editing workflow, see Edit images in your browser.