The Major Difference Between JPG and PNG: At physical value, a single image shown in both JPG and PNG formats might seem similar, but when placed under detailed examination, and the data is properly examined, there is quite a difference between the two. So in this article, we will show you the major difference between JPG and PNG.
There is no format certainly better than the other, as under various circumstances both formats satisfy the needs for image quality, file size, and a lot more other interests. It is important to note that the two formats have their unique downsides which will be outlined in this article.
Image Formats
When talking about images, there are a number of formats to choose from while saving to a digital copy. Each format has its strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right format can be of great help. However, two of these formats are JPG and PNG.
The major difference between JPG and PNG is the compression algorithms that they use. JPG uses a lossy compression algorithm that abandons some of the image information in order to minimize the size of the file. Whereas, PNG also uses a lossless algorithm that keeps all the information.
So with PNG, the quality of the image will not change, but the size of the file will typically be larger. On the contrary, JPG images can be made very small, but the quality can reduce very quickly from a specific point.
JPEG
JPEG is a type of file which is expanded by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) to be a standard for professional photographers. But like the method ZIP files use to find wordiness in files to compress data, JPGs compress image data by reducing the sections of images to blocks of pixels or ‘tiles.’
JPEG is also the quality compressed format in digital photography and online image sharing due to its careful balance of file size and image quality. The correct ratio varies depending on the program and settings used. While the typical JPEG image has a 10:1 compression ratio.
JPEG compression also has the bad side effect of being permanent. But, as the technology for the file was created for keeping large photographic image files in surprisingly small spaces, and not for photo editing.
JPGs have also become the de facto standard image of the internet because they can be compressed so much. An original JPG can be compressed at a ratio of anywhere from 2:1 to as high as 100:1, depending on your settings.
Especially back in the days of dial-up internet, JPGs were the only feasible way to send image information.
PNG
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It is a lossless file format designed as a more open alternative to Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). PNG was also developed as an open alternative to GIF, which used the proprietary LZW compression algorithm discussed earlier.
It is an excellent file type for internet graphics, as it supports clarity in browsers with an elegance that GIF does not have. You should note how the transparent color changes and blends with the background. This is typically one image that is on four different background colors.
PNG also supports 8-bit color like GIF, but supports 24-bit color RGB, like JPG does. They are also non-lossy files, compressing photographic images without mortifying image quality. PNG is likely the largest of the three file types and isn’t supported by some (usually older) browsers.
Additionally to being a good format for clarity, the non-lossy nature of 24-bit PNG is perfect for screenshot software, allowing pixel for pixel transcription of your desktop environment.
The Major Difference Between JPEG and PNG
- In general, JPG is a lossy format while PNG is a lossless format.
- JPG is also better for photographs but PNG is better for created images.
- JPG is in support of the embedding of EXIF data while PNG does not.
- PNG also supports transparency while JPG does not.