Start with what the image needs to do.
Choosing a format is easier when you separate the job from the file extension. A photograph, a transparent mark and a screenshot contain different kinds of information. One export setting is unlikely to be the best fit for all three.
Keep an untouched original. Make a working export for the place where the image will actually be used, and judge the result at that size.
JPEG: a familiar choice for photographs.
JPEG is widely used for still photographs and continuous-tone images. It uses lossy compression: a lower quality setting can reduce file size, but it also discards information. Repeatedly editing and saving the same JPEG can compound visible degradation.
JPEG has no transparency. If your image has transparent areas, the LAMPIF converter fills them with the background color you select. Check edges and shadows against that background before exporting.
PNG: when clean edges or transparency matter.
PNG supports lossless compression and transparency. It is often a useful starting point for interface screenshots, diagrams or artwork with sharp edges. For a large photograph, it can also create a much heavier file than needed.
PNG’s lossless encoding does not undo changes you have already made. If you first resize or convert a lower-quality source, a PNG export faithfully records that new result; it does not recover the original detail.
WebP: another option worth comparing.
WebP supports lossy and lossless image encoding and transparency. In this toolkit, browser-supported quality settings are used for WebP exports. The result depends on the browser encoder and the source image.
Do not choose by extension alone. Export a candidate, compare its actual file size, and open it in the environment where it will be used. Some publishing workflows still require a specific format.
A practical decision.
| Your main requirement | A starting point | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Photographic content | JPEG or WebP | Fine detail, gradients and export size |
| Transparency | PNG or WebP | Edges against the final background |
| Sharp text or diagrams | PNG | Legibility at the intended size |
| A format-specific upload field | The required format | Dimensions and file-size limits too |
Check the output, not the promise.
A smaller image is useful only if it still communicates what it needs to. Inspect faces, fine lines, type and subtle gradients. If you have to choose between a small file and readable text inside it, first reconsider whether the text belongs in an image at all.
Use the image converter to compare formats. Use the image compressor to adjust quality and dimensions.
Technical reference
MDN: Image file type and format guide.
Questions about a tool? Visit the help center or contact support@lampif.com.