PEGs and PNGs, two of the most common image formats, each have their strengths and use cases. You might be wondering: into which image file type should I export my homemade NSFW material? What’s the best one?
It really depends on your (or your client’s) specific needs.
Both JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable Network Graphics) support millions of colors, so you’ll know you won’t be losing anything in your vibrant images. They also use lossless compression, which preserves image quality, albeit in different ways. Both formats are widely supported across various platforms and browsers, ensuring compatibility for users.
Here’s a list of differences and some information that will guide you on knowing which filetype to choose.
Compression Method:
- JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Uses lossy compression, which reduces file size by removing some image details. This is suitable for photographs but may result in a slight loss of quality.
- PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Utilizes lossless compression, preserving image quality without sacrificing details. This is ideal for images with sharp edges, text, and graphics.
- JPEG: Does not support transparent backgrounds. It uses a white background as a default if transparency is needed.
- PNG: Supports alpha channel transparency, allowing for a completely transparent background or partial transparency.
- JPEG: Well-suited for photographs and images with gradient colors. Supports millions of colors.
- PNG: Ideal for graphics, logos, and images with sharp contrasts. Supports millions of colors, including an extensive range of hues.
Use Cases:
- JPEG: Commonly used for photographs on the web, as the lossy compression reduces file size while maintaining acceptable quality for images with complex details.
- PNG: Preferred for graphics, logos, and images requiring a transparent background, as well as for images with text and sharp edges where lossless compression is crucial.
- JPEG: May exhibit compression artifacts such as blocking or blurring, especially at higher compression levels.
- PNG: Does not introduce compression artifacts, making it suitable for images where preserving fine details is essential.
File Size:
- JPEG: Typically results in smaller file sizes compared to PNG, making it more efficient for storage and faster to load on websites.
- PNG: Larger file sizes due to lossless compression, making it suitable for situations where maintaining the highest image quality is a priority.
Editing and Recompression:
- JPEG: Prone to quality loss when edited and recompressed multiple times.
- PNG: Supports multiple edits and recompressions without loss of image quality, making it a better choice for images that undergo frequent modifications.
Platform Compatibility:
- JPEG: Universally supported across various platforms, browsers, and devices.
- PNG: Widely supported but may have limited compatibility in older browsers, particularly with transparency features.
When in doubt, save as a PNG. This is my personal advice to you. You can always change it to JPG or JPEG later!
