JPG vs. PNG: Which Image Format is Best for Your PDF?
September 26, 2026 · PDF Tools
Putting images into a PDF seems straightforward, but picking the right file type for those images — JPG or PNG — can have a surprisingly big impact on the final PDF. It's not just about how it looks; it's about how heavy the file gets and how crisp the details remain.
When JPG is Your Friend
JPG (or JPEG) is the workhorse for photographs and anything with smooth color gradients. It uses 'lossy' compression, meaning it throws away some visual data to make the file smaller. For a photo of a landscape or a person, your eye won't notice the difference at typical resolutions, but the file size shrinks considerably. This makes your PDF much quicker to send and download.
- Photographs: Always go JPG for photos.
- Complex images with many colors: Good for gradients and realistic imagery.
- Web optimization: When file size is a top priority.
When PNG is the Clear Winner
PNG uses 'lossless' compression, so it retains every single pixel of information. This is critical for graphics with sharp lines, text, or transparent backgrounds — think logos, screenshots, diagrams, or charts. A JPG version of a logo might show fuzzy edges or color banding, while a PNG keeps it pristine. The trade-off? PNG files are generally larger, especially for photographic content.
- Logos and icons: Essential for sharp edges and brand consistency.
- Screenshots and diagrams: Text and lines remain perfectly legible.
- Transparency: If your image needs a transparent background, PNG is the only way.
- High-fidelity artwork: For anything where pixel-perfect accuracy matters.
Making the Right Call for Your PDF
The simplest rule is: photos get JPG, everything else gets PNG. If you're mixing image types, convert them beforehand. For a PDF filled with scanned documents, a good compression tool can often optimize the images within, regardless of their original format. But starting with the right image type saves you headaches down the line.