PNG Vs JPG: Understanding the Differences for Your Images

Are you a bit confused about the differences between JPG and PNG image formats? Maybe you only know that PNG can save images with transparent backgrounds.

Well, this tutorial is here to clear things up and answer your questions about JPG and PNG. Let's dive in and discover the differences between these two popular image formats.

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In this article, you will learn:

1. PNG Vs JPG: What's the Difference?
2. PNG Vs JPG: 16 Bit or 8 Bit?
3. PNG Vs JPG: File Size and Quality
4. PNG Vs JPG: Transparent Background
5. PNG Vs JPG: Gradient Colors
6. Frequently Asked Questions About PNG Vs JPG

PNG Vs JPG: What's the Difference?

Let's start by summarizing the key characteristics of PNG and JPG image formats:

1. PNG

• Compression: Lossless data compression.
• Transparency: Supports transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque backgrounds.
• Advantages: Supports 256-color palette, allowing for 256 levels of transparency, making it ideal for web icon design.
• Disadvantages: File sizes tend to be larger, making it less suitable as a replacement for JPG.

2. JPG (JPEG)

• Compression: Uses lossy compression, suitable for photographs.
• Transparency: Does not support transparent color.
• Advantages: Performs well on photos with smooth color transitions and tone variations, making it suitable for uploading images on the web.
• Disadvantages: Not suitable for line drawings or text graphics.

Now, instead of just listing these features and parameters, let's analyze the practical scenarios where each format excels. Without further ado, let's dive into the details!

PNG Vs JPG: 16 Bit or 8 Bit?

Before diving into other comparisons, let's address a key difference between PNG and JPG that often goes unnoticed.

In Photoshop, create a new blank document with any size and background color. Choose "RGB Color, 16 bit" as the color mode, and click Create. Congratulations, you now have a blank document in 16-bit color mode.

Next, save this blank document separately in PNG and JPG formats:

Now, here's the question: What color depth do you think these saved files have? You might assume that both files are still in 16-bit color mode, but let's verify.

Drag the "Blank 16 Bit.png" file into Photoshop. Based on the file information displayed as "Blank 16 Bit.png @ 100% (RGB/16#)," we can see that the PNG file is indeed in 16-bit color mode ("16#" represents 16-bit color).

Using the same method, drag the "Blank 16 Bit.jpg" file into Photoshop. Surprisingly, the file information shows "Blank 16 Bit.jpg @ 100% (RGB/8)," indicating that the JPG file has now become an 8-bit color.

In conclusion, we have reached an important observation: JPG files only support 8-bit color, setting the stage for various comparisons to follow.

PNG Vs JPG: File Size and Quality

When it comes to searching for image assets, the size and quality of the images are often our top concerns. Choosing between PNG and JPG formats is a decision based on these two parameters.

Let's consider two examples that will help you understand how to make the right choice.

First, let's take our brand TourBox's logo photo as an example. This photo is an 8-bit color file.

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In the "Export As" panel, we can instantly see the file size of the saved image. Choose the "PNG" format and make sure not to select the "Smaller File (8-bit)" or "Transparency" options. You'll notice that the PNG format results in a file size of 3.8 KB.

Now, choose the "JPG" format and select the best quality. When saved as a JPG file, the file size becomes 6.8KB, which is significantly larger than the PNG file.

Let's move on to another example using a landscape photo with rich colors, which is a more common image type.

Using the same method, open the "Export As" panel. Choose the PNG format, making sure not to select the "Smaller File (8-bit)" or "Transparency" options. In this case, the PNG format results in a file size of 2.9 MB.

Select the JPG format and choose the best quality setting. The resulting JPG file size is 1.2MB, significantly smaller than the PNG format.

From these two examples, we can conclude another difference between PNG and JPG. In images with fewer colors, like cartoons or logos, using the PNG format allows for smaller file sizes while maintaining high quality.

For everyday photos and images with a larger color palette, it's advisable to opt for the best quality JPG files, which strike a balance between quality and file size.

PNG Vs JPG: Transparent Background

We won't go into too much detail about this difference. If you want to save a file with a transparent background, you can only choose the PNG format. The JPG format will save the transparent background as a white background directly.

If you're not sure what a transparent background is, take a look at the image below (the "TourBox" on the purple background). Take a moment to examine it, and you'll naturally understand.

PNG Vs JPG: Gradient Colors

When you're designing, you often use gradient colors. Let's first take a look at the difference between gradients in 16-bit and 8-bit color modes.

In the 16-bit color mode, create a radial gradient adjustment layer to make a gradient.

Then, go to "Image" - "Mode" - "8 Bits/Channel" to convert it to the 8-bit color mode. You might not be able to see the difference between 16-bit and 8-bit.

You can continue to make some adjustments. In the 8-bit color mode, create a new curve adjustment layer on the gradient layer and move the black and white sliders on the curve horizontally towards the center to increase contrast.

Now you can clearly see the gradient's transition stripes, resembling concentric circles.

Next, go to "Image" - "Mode" - "16 Bits/Channel" and repeat the previous steps. Can you see the difference now?

The 16-bit gradient doesn't have noticeable transition stripes. It's very smooth.

Screenshots might not fully reflect the difference, so you can try it out yourself.

Since JPG only supports 8-bit color, if you have high requirements for gradient effects, it's best to choose the 16-bit color PNG format. Of course, the file size will be larger, but you'll achieve a smooth gradient.

Frequently Asked Questions About PNG Vs JPG

Question: Which Format, PNG Or JPG, Is More Suitable for Use on Websites?

Question: What Are the Differences Between PNG and JPG File Formats?

Question: In What Ways Are PNG and JPG Files Similar?

Question: What Are the Differences Between PNG and JPG Files for Print Materials?

Question: How to convert a PNG file to JPG without losing quality?

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And that concludes our article on PNG vs JPG. We've covered the main differences between these two image formats, and it's up to you to choose the format that suits your needs.