There are many types of digital image formats, but PNG and JPG are the most common when it comes to using images on the web. Conflicting information about which format is best can make it difficult to choose which one is right for you and your website. However, there is a general consensus on the basic advantages and disadvantages of each: PNG is known for high-quality compression formatting but has long loading times and JPG is for slightly lower image quality but much faster loading times. It’s important to consider not only the difference between the two options but also what your image contains and how you intend to use it.
To help ease your decision, this article will; Go over the basics of both image formats, what makes them so suitable for online use, and the different areas where JPG and PNG each excel.
PNG and JPG: An Introduction
To understand image format, it is important to be clear about terminology. JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPG, in the past, was also known as JPEG but apart from the abbreviation, there is no difference between the two. PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. This is important as compression affects how the image looks online and how long it takes to upload. Understanding the process behind different methods of data storage can be a big factor in the method you choose for your images, so let’s get started.
JPG uses a process called lossy compression. In lossy compression, some information is sacrificed to achieve a smaller file size. For example, in a typical MP3 file, lossy compression removes parts of the sound file that the human ear cannot hear. This removal of noise is not noticeable and the file size is significantly reduced, resulting in much faster load times. Literally sounds great, but there is a downside.
If you save a JPG file repeatedly, more information is deleted. In a photograph, this will result in a severely pixelated image, in an MP3 the sound quality will deteriorate. PNG files use a lossless compression method that, as the name suggests, does not lose data but packs or compresses using a kind of shorthand. Lossless compression can reduce the file size significantly, sometimes by half.
Lossless files take much less space during storage and opening and perfect reconstruction of data. Nothing is missed. Everything is really picture-perfect. Additionally, PNGs allow users to include transparent visual elements, which can be a really nice touch on a website, especially with icons. The obvious downside is the much longer loading times for PNGs, which can be significant and overwhelming.
What makes PNGs and JPGs perfect for the Internet?
As mentioned earlier, there are other types of image formats besides PNG and JPG. Some common ones include Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), Tagged Image File (TIFF), Bitmap Image File (BMP), and Scalar Vector Graphics (SVG). This list is not exhaustive, it is representative of other options available.
While these other formats have their own advantages, they also contain aspects that make them less suitable for the Internet than PNGs and JPGs. While it may not be worth understanding the pros and cons of each format, here’s why JPG and PNG formats are uniquely suited for use on the web, to that end:
Compression
Regardless of compression type, (lossy or lossless) both JPG and PNG images are compressed enough to load quickly, which can make a huge difference when budgeting for work on your site.
Size
Due to the compression process, JPG and PNG files take up significantly less space on the server, allowing you to store and use more images than you need in the storage room.
Integration
The functionality of JPG and PNG files has made them so popular that many website designs are already pre-loaded with tools suitable for JPG and PNG formats. Using these expected file types means you’re less likely to run into browsers that are unable to display your images.
Using the common and universally recognized media formats of JPGs and PNGs will enable you to keep your site running smoothly for visitors and reduce management headaches.
So which media format is best?
Understanding the difference between PNGs and JPGs is the first step in determining which format is best for you. And, as you can see now, there are situations when a mix of both formats might be the best option. The question still remains: Which format is best in which situations?
The following are basic guidelines to help you decide which media format is best to use and when.
JPGs
- Complex Images: With images such as photographs, the loss in quality when using a JPG is rarely noticeable, and is often worth the tradeoff of smaller file size and faster loading times.
- Bulk image: If you want to share a lot of images, eg, a photo album, JPGs are the way to go Short load times and smooth images won’t miss the mark.
- Non-Transparent Images: If nothing is transparent in your image, it’s safe to go with the JPG image file format.
PNGs
- Well-Defined Images: Anything including logos, text, and hard lines will transfer much better using the highly pixelated PNG format.
- Professional Portfolios: When it comes to some aspects of your business, a slightly distorted or blurry image will not work. PNG is best used when marketing your creative work and business. Load times can be long, but in this case, it’s worth the wait.
- Transparent Images: If you have an image, such as a logo, that you want no background color, even white, then PNG formatting is what you want. PNG formatting can allow you to show what’s behind your image if desired.
As you can see, both JPG and PNG image files can be useful when designing and modifying your site. With this knowledge, you can pick and choose what type of media will be best served by the JPG or PNG file type.
Conclusion
After having a clear understanding of the pros, cons, and types of media that perform well when formatted in JPG or PNG format, you can now make a choice that will deliver the results you want. As you become more familiar with each method and experiment with different forms of media, choosing the most appropriate file type will become second nature.
