What is the Difference Between PNG and JPEG?

The main differences between PNG and JPEG image formats lie in their compression methods, file size, and ability to handle transparency. Here are the key differences:

• Compression: JPEG uses lossy compression, which removes some data during the compression process to achieve smaller file sizes. This can result in a loss of quality, although it is usually negligible. On the other hand, PNG uses lossless compression, which retains all the data and preserves the original image quality. This results in larger file sizes compared to JPEG.
• File Size: JPEG files are generally smaller than PNG files, making them more suitable for storing and sharing high-quality photos. PNG files are larger due to their lossless compression, which retains more information.
• Transparency: PNG files support transparent backgrounds, making them preferred for graphic design. JPEG files do not support transparency.
• Usage: JPEG files are widely used for storing and sharing high-quality photos, while PNG files specialize in handling detailed, high-contrast web graphics.

In summary, if you require high-quality images with transparent backgrounds for graphic design purposes, PNG is the better choice. However, if you need smaller file sizes for sharing and storing photos, JPEG is more suitable.

Comparative Table: PNG vs JPEG

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between JPEG and PNG:

In summary, JPEG is better suited for photos and images with smooth gradients and color transitions, while PNG is better for graphics, text, and images with sharp transitions. JPEG uses lossy compression, resulting in smaller file sizes but with some loss of data, while PNG uses lossless compression, leading to larger file sizes but with all data preserved.