Understanding Image Formats: JPEG vs PNG vs WebP

Choose the right image format for your web projects. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of JPEG, PNG, and WebP formats to optimize your website's performance.

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JPEG Format

Best For:

  • Photographs and complex images
  • Gradients and color transitions
  • Web backgrounds
  • Social media images

Pros: Small file size, good quality for photographs

Cons: Lossy compression, no transparency

PNG Format

Best For:

  • Images with transparency
  • Screenshots
  • Logos and icons
  • Text-heavy images

Pros: Lossless compression, transparency support

Cons: Larger file size

WebP Format

Best For:

  • Modern web applications
  • Progressive web apps
  • High-performance websites
  • Both photographic and graphic content

Pros: Smaller file size, supports both lossy and lossless compression

Cons: Limited browser support (needs fallback)

Format Selection Guide

// Example implementation with fallback
<picture>
  <source srcset="image.webp" type="image/webp">
  <source srcset="image.jpg" type="image/jpeg">
  <img src="image.jpg" alt="Optimized image">
</picture>

Making the Right Choice