PNG vs JPG vs WebP: which format should you use?

Three formats cover most images on the web. They differ in file size, quality, and whether they can be transparent.

PNG

PNG is lossless, meaning it keeps every detail, and it supports transparency. That makes it the standard choice for logos, graphics, and cutouts. The trade-off is that photographic PNGs can be large.

JPG

JPG is lossy: it shrinks files by discarding detail you are unlikely to notice. It is excellent for ordinary photographs, but it does not support transparency, so it cannot hold a cutout.

WebP

WebP can be lossy or lossless and supports transparency, often at smaller file sizes than PNG or JPG. It is supported by all current major browsers. Some older tools and platforms still do not accept it, so check where you plan to use the file.

Which to choose

• Transparent cutout: PNG, or WebP if your platform accepts it.
• Regular photo: JPG or WebP.
• Logo or graphic with sharp edges: PNG.

ClearCut downloads PNG, which works nearly everywhere. If you need a smaller file for your website, you can convert the PNG to WebP afterwards. See how to remove a background first.