How to Convert a JPG to PNG (and When You Shouldn't)

By Daniel · Updated July 2026

JPG and PNG solve different problems, so converting between them is less about the format name and more about what the picture contains. Get it right and the file stays small and clean; get it wrong and you either lose quality or triple the file size for no reason.

Use PNG for flat graphics, JPG for photos

PNG is lossless and supports transparency, which makes it ideal for logos, screenshots, icons and anything with sharp edges or flat colour. JPG is lossy and has no transparency, but it compresses photographs far smaller than PNG can. Converting a photo to PNG will make it several times larger with no visible gain, so only do it when you specifically need transparency or a screenshot-quality copy.

How to convert one

  1. Open the image converter and drop your JPG in.
  2. Choose PNG as the output format.
  3. Download the result. The conversion happens on your device, so the image never leaves your browser.

The transparency trap

Converting a JPG to PNG does not add transparency — a JPG has none to begin with, so the white or coloured background stays solid. If you need a transparent background, you have to erase it separately; the format change alone will not do it.

If your goal is simply a smaller file, try WebP instead. It usually beats both JPG and PNG on size at the same visible quality, and every current browser supports it.

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Common questions

Does converting JPG to PNG improve quality?

No. The JPG has already discarded some detail, and PNG cannot bring it back — it just stores what is there without further loss. You will get a larger file, not a sharper one.

Will a PNG have a transparent background?

Only if the original did. Converting a JPG keeps its solid background; you would need to erase the background separately.

Is anything uploaded when I convert?

No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser, so the image stays on your device.

Which is better for a website logo?

PNG, because it keeps sharp edges and supports transparency. Use SVG if you have a vector version.

Keep reading

How to Reduce Image File Size · How to Resize an Image · What Is a HEIC File