JPG, PNG or WebP: which format should you use?

The best image format depends on the picture and where it is going. A photograph, a logo and a screenshot have different needs. Before converting, check which formats the destination accepts and whether you need a transparent background.

JPG for photographs and broad compatibility

JPG uses lossy compression, which can make photographic files smaller by discarding some information. It does not support transparency. Lower quality settings can introduce visible artifacts, particularly around lettering and sharp edges. Repeatedly editing and re-saving a JPG can compound quality loss, so keep an original copy.

PNG for transparency and crisp graphics

PNG supports transparency and lossless image compression. It is often useful for logos, screenshots and graphics with sharp boundaries. A photographic PNG can be larger than a JPG, although the outcome depends on the content. Lossless storage does not mean a resized image retains the original detail: resizing changes the pixels before they are saved.

WebP when the destination supports it

WebP supports transparency and both lossy and lossless compression. It can be a useful choice for web images, but some upload forms and older applications may reject it. Kalika uses your browser’s WebP export when available. Check the downloaded result and the destination’s accepted formats.

Choose the format in Kalika

The image resizer offers PNG, JPG and WebP output. The image compressor always exports JPG and replaces transparent areas with white. If your goal is a smaller email attachment, follow the email image guide and compare both size and readability.