JPG vs PNG: What’s the Difference and Why Your Image Sometimes Looks Wrong?

JPG vs PNG: What’s the Difference and Why Your Image Sometimes Looks Wrong?

You’ve probably been there.

You upload an image to a website, send it to a client, or post it online, and suddenly it doesn’t look right. It’s blurry, the background isn’t transparent, or the file is way too big.

And then the question comes up: “Is this a JPG or a PNG… and does it even matter?” Short answer: yes, it matters a lot.

JPG: Small Size, Everyday Use

JPG is the most common image format out there. 

It’s great for photos and everyday images because:

The downside? JPG reduces file size by slightly lowering image quality. Most of the time you won’t notice it, but with logos, text, or sharp details, that quality loss can become visible.

PNG: Better Quality, More Control

PNG is all about quality. 

It’s usually used for:

PNG keeps all image details intact and supports transparency. The trade-off is that PNG files are usually larger than JPG files.

Why Problems Happen?

Issues usually appear when the image format doesn’t match the purpose. 

For example:

That’s when images suddenly “stop working” the way you expect.

The Easiest Fix: Convert the Image

In many cases, you don’t need to redesign or edit the image at all. You just need to change the format.

If you have a JPG image and need better quality or transparency, converting it from JPG to PNG is often the fastest solution. The image stays the same, it just becomes usable for the task you need.

JPG vs PNG — Quick Summary

Switching formats usually fixes the problem in seconds, no stress, no confusion.

Category: File Formats