PNG and JPG explained
PNG is a lossless raster format built to replace GIF. It stores every pixel exactly as given and supports a full 8-bit alpha channel, which means genuine partial transparency rather than the single transparent colour GIF offers.
JPEG is a lossy image format designed for photographs. It works by discarding detail the human eye is least likely to notice, particularly in colour and in smooth gradients, which is why it compresses photos far better than it compresses text or line art.
- Where PNG files come from
- Screenshots, exported logos and UI assets, and anything designed rather than photographed.
- Where JPG is used
- Digital cameras, phone screenshots on Android, and essentially every photo on the pre-2015 web.