How to convert JPG to PNG

JPG and PNG are two of the most common image formats, each with its own strengths. Whether you’re a graphic designer, web developer, or just looking to preserve image quality, knowing when and how to convert between them is a valuable skill.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from the differences between the formats to step-by-step conversion on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices to managing your files once the work is done. File conversion is a key part of file management, the broader practice of organizing, storing, and maintaining your digital assets efficiently.

What is a JPG?

The JPG image format is popular for its incredibly small file size. JPG compression keeps the file size manageable; however, it also reduces image resolution. It’s typically used when dealing with large quantities of images.

Lossy compression (which forces files to lose image quality) makes JPG a poor option for important, untouched photographs. It does, on the other hand, make it easy for users to quickly and efficiently share and store many different JPEG image files.

What is a PNG?

The PNG file is a high-resolution Portable Network Graphics (PNG) file. PNG uses lossless compression, meaning that when it reduces in size, it maintains the original graphic’s quality. It is typically used to store graphics on websites. A PNG converter can easily convert other image formats to PNG.

One of the key features of PNG files is image transparency, which is essential for graphic design and web development.

The PNG format is easy to open on both Windows and Mac, making it a fairly popular file format. It also handles things like photography projects and website building well. It is often reduced in size during editing. PNG files are also highly suitable for image editing due to their lossless compression. You can also use various tools to convert PNG files to JPG format if needed.

JPG vs PNG: a quick comparison

Why convert JPG to PNG?

Converting JPG to PNG is a common practice in graphic design, web development, and digital media. Converting JPGs to PNGs can significantly enhance the quality and usability of your images.

There are several reasons you might want to convert a JPG to a PNG:

• Improved image quality: PNG files use lossless compression, preserving image quality even after editing and saving. In contrast, JPG files use lossy compression, which can degrade image quality over time.
• Transparency: PNG files support transparency, making them ideal for graphic design, logos, and icons. JPG files do not support transparency, which can limit their use in certain applications.
• Flexibility: PNG files can be easily edited and manipulated without losing image quality. This makes them ideal for use in web design, digital media, and other applications where image quality is critical.

Preparing your JPG file

Before converting your JPG file to PNG, prepare it for conversion.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare your JPG file:

1. Check the image resolution: Ensure it is set to the desired level. A higher resolution will result in a larger file size, but it will also provide better image quality.
2. Adjust the image width: If necessary, set it to the desired width. This will help ensure that the image is the correct size for your application.
3. Save the image as a JPG before converting it to PNG: This ensures the image is in the correct format for conversion.

Note: Using reliable image conversion software can streamline the process and ensure high-quality results, whether you’re converting JPG to PNG or following a similar workflow to convert JPG to TIFF.

How to convert JPG to PNG

Converting a JPG to PNG doesn’t require any third-party software. On both Windows and Mac, you can do it in just a few clicks using built-in apps. Prefer to work in a browser or on your phone? There are plenty of free tools for that too — some of which also support batch conversion if you’re working with multiple files at once.

Using Windows

1. Locate the JPG file you wish to convert on your system
2. Right-click it and select ‘Edit’
3. In the Paint app, select ‘File’ then ‘Save as’
4. Using the ‘Save as type’ dropdown menu, choose ‘PNG’
5. Save the file to the location of your choice

Using Mac

1. Open the JPG file using Preview
2. Under ‘File’ select ‘Export’
3. Choose the ‘PNG’ option from the format dropdown and save

Online conversion tools

If you’d rather not use a desktop app, several free browser-based tools make conversion quick and easy — just keep in mind that uploading images to third-party sites raises some privacy concerns. Popular options include Adobe Express, JPG2PNG, and Convertio, all of which also support batch conversion if you’re working with multiple files at once.

Mobile conversion

On mobile, apps like Adobe Express and JPG2PNG (available on iOS and Android) make conversion simple. Open the app, upload your JPG, select PNG as the output format, and export. It takes less than a minute.

Additional considerations between PNG vs. JPG

The PNG is a large file – much less manageable than the JPG. If you wish to convert from PNG to JPG at some point, you can. The above steps for both Windows and Mac work when substituting the two image file types. This is usually necessary when creating a library of image files that require previews. The JPG is a smaller file type that can display previews with minimal lag, though in some workflows, you may need to convert PNG to Adobe InDesign (INDD).

Using a PNG converter can simplify switching between these formats, and similar workflows apply when you need to convert EPS image files to InDesign (INDD).

If you’re worried about image quality, a JPG might not be the best option. Consider the PNG, especially if drive space isn’t a big concern. Image file conversion is a versatile process that can be tailored to your specific needs.

Use digital asset management software to organize and store your images

Once you’ve built up a library of converted files, a digital asset management solution like Canto can help you store, organize, and access all your JPGs and PNGs in one centralized location — making it easy to find the right file format for every project.

Frequently asked questions about converting JPG to PNG

What is the best JPG-to-PNG converter available online?

There are several excellent JPG-to-PNG converters online, including Adobe Express, Canva, JPG2PNG, and FreeConvert.com. These tools offer easy drag-and-drop interfaces, batch convert JPG images, and maintain the best quality during PNG conversion.

Can I batch convert JPG files to PNG format?

Yes, many online tools and software, such as JPG2PNG, SyTools JPG Converter, and Adobe Express, allow you to batch-convert multiple JPG images to PNG automatically, saving time and effort.

Does converting JPG to PNG improve image quality?

Converting JPG images to PNG helps preserve image quality because PNG uses lossless compression. However, it does not restore quality lost due to JPG’s lossy compression but prevents further degradation during edits or saves.

Will converting JPG to PNG make the background transparent?

No, converting a JPG to PNG does not automatically make the background transparent. JPG files do not support transparency, and the background remains intact unless manually edited in software like Photoshop.

Are PNG files larger than JPG files?

Yes, PNG files typically have larger file sizes because they use lossless compression that retains all image data, unlike JPG files, which use lossy compression to reduce file size.

Can I resize images during a JPG-to-PNG conversion?

Many online converters, such as Adobe Express and Canva, offer options to resize images when converting JPG to PNG, allowing you to optimize images for different uses without needing separate editing software.