How to Convert PNG to JPG (and When You Shouldn't)
PNG and JPG solve different problems, so converting between them is a trade, not a free upgrade. PNG to JPG can dramatically shrink a photo saved in the wrong format — but it can also wreck a logo or a screenshot. Knowing which case you're in saves you from a bad result.
When converting PNG to JPG makes sense
- The PNG is a photograph that was saved in the wrong format and is needlessly huge.
- You don't need transparency in the final image.
- You want a smaller file for email or a faster web page.
When to keep the PNG
Keep PNG for logos, icons, diagrams, and screenshots of text — anything with sharp edges or flat color, where JPG's compression introduces fuzzy halos around the lines. And keep PNG whenever you need a transparent background, because JPG can't store transparency and will fill it with solid white or black.
What you give up
Converting to JPG applies lossy compression and flattens transparency. For a photo, that's a fine trade for the size savings. For a graphic, it's usually a downgrade. Do the conversion in your browser to keep the image private, and check the result before you rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose quality converting PNG to JPG?+
For photos the loss is minimal and worth the smaller size. For logos, text, or sharp graphics, JPG adds visible fuzziness — keep those as PNG.
What happens to a transparent background?+
JPG can't store transparency, so a transparent area becomes solid white or black. Keep the PNG if you need transparency.
How much smaller will the JPG be?+
For a photo saved as PNG, often several times smaller — JPG is far more efficient for photographic content.