How to Convert PNG to JPG, WebP, or AVIF

You have a PNG file. It has perfect, crisp quality and supports transparency, which is why you chose it. But now you have a problem: it's too large to email, it's slowing down your website, or you need to use it in a system that requires a different format. PNGs are excellent for quality, but their large file sizes often make them impractical for everyday use.

This guide will help you solve that problem. We'll show you when to convert your PNG and which format to choose—JPG, WebP, or AVIF—to get the perfect balance of quality, file size, and compatibility.

When Should You Convert a PNG?

While PNG is a fantastic format, you should convert it when:

• The File is Too Large: This is the most common reason. A PNG photograph can be 5-10 times larger than the same image saved as a JPG. Converting is essential for web performance, email attachments, and upload limits.
• It's a Photograph: If your image is a photo without transparency, it should almost always be converted to JPG or WebP. You will dramatically reduce the file size with little to no visible loss in quality.
• You Need Maximum Compatibility: While widely supported, some older systems or specific platforms require JPG. Converting to JPG ensures your image will work everywhere.

Choosing the Right Format: Your Conversion Options

The right format depends entirely on your goal. Here are your choices:

Convert PNG to JPG for Photos & Universal Sharing

This is the most common conversion. JPG is the universal language of images, supported by every device and platform. It's the best choice for photographs.

Warning: JPG does not support transparency. If your PNG has a transparent background, it will be filled with a solid white color during conversion.

Use this when: Your PNG is a photo or you need to share it with the widest possible audience.
Tool: PNG to JPG Converter

Convert PNG to WebP for Modern Web Performance

WebP is the best of both worlds. It offers file sizes that are smaller than JPG while also supporting transparency like PNG. It is the ideal format for modern websites.

Use this when: You are optimizing images for a website and need transparency and small file sizes.
Tool: PNG to WebP Converter

Convert PNG to AVIF for Cutting-Edge Compression

AVIF is the newest and most efficient format, offering the smallest file sizes with incredible quality. It's the ultimate choice for performance-obsessed web developers.

Use this when: You need the absolute smallest file size for a modern web application.
Tool: PNG to AVIF Converter

When to Keep Your Image as a PNG

Sometimes, the right decision is to not convert your file. Keep your image as a PNG if it is a logo, icon, screenshot, or any graphic with sharp lines and text where perfect, pixel-for-pixel quality is essential and file size is not your primary concern.

How to Convert PNG Files Securely

Our tools make converting PNG files simple and safe. Because the conversion happens in your browser, your files are never uploaded to a server.

1. Select one of the converters linked above.
2. Drag and drop your PNG file(s) onto the page.
3. The conversion happens automatically.
4. Download your new, optimized image.

Conclusion: The Right Format for the Right Job

Using PNGs doesn't have to mean accepting huge file sizes. By converting them to the right format for the job, you can get the performance and compatibility you need. For photos, choose JPG. For modern web use, choose WebP. And for everything else where quality is king, stick with PNG. With the right tool, you can make the smart choice every time.

About the Author

This guide was written by Don Cecil, the creator of FastConverter.app and a web developer with over 25 years of experience. This background helps to ensure that our guides are accurate, practical, and up-to-date. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.