PNG vs JPEG vs WebP: Which Format for Your Screenshots?
Choosing the wrong image format hurts quality or bloats file sizes. Here's when to use PNG, JPEG, and WebP for screenshots.
By Sharon Onyinye
Export your screenshot in the wrong format and you'll either get blurry images or massive file sizes.
Here's how to choose the right format every time.
The Quick Answer
- PNG for screenshots with text, UI elements, or sharp edges
- JPEG for photos or images with lots of gradients/colors
- WebP for web use when you want small files with good quality
But let's dig deeper.
PNG: The Screenshot Default
PNG uses lossless compression. Every pixel stays exactly as you created it.
Use PNG when:- Screenshots have text (menus, buttons, code)
- Sharp edges matter (UI elements, icons)
- You need transparency
- Quality is more important than file size
- Larger file sizes
- Overkill for photos
JPEG: The Photo Format
JPEG uses lossy compression. It throws away data to reduce file size.
Use JPEG when:- Image is photo-heavy
- File size matters more than perfect quality
- No transparency needed
- Lots of gradients or color variation
- Compression artifacts (especially around text)
- No transparency support
- Quality degrades with each re-save
WebP: The Modern Choice
WebP offers both lossy and lossless compression with smaller file sizes than PNG or JPEG.
Use WebP when:- Displaying on websites
- Need small files with good quality
- Browser support isn't an issue (it's wide now)
- Some older tools don't support it
- Less universal than PNG/JPEG
- Some social platforms don't accept it
Compression Comparison
For a typical screenshot mockup (1920x1080):
| Format | Quality | File Size |
|--------|---------|-----------|
| PNG | Perfect | ~2-4 MB |
| JPEG (90%) | Very good | ~200-400 KB |
| JPEG (70%) | Good | ~100-200 KB |
| WebP | Very good | ~150-300 KB |
WebP gives you JPEG file sizes with near-PNG quality.
Platform Recommendations
App Store / Google Play- PNG or JPEG accepted
- Use PNG for crisp UI screenshots
- Converts everything to JPEG
- Upload PNG anyway for best source quality
- PNG or JPEG
- PNG recommended for screenshots with text
- WebP with PNG fallback
- Or just WebP if you don't need legacy support
- PNG or JPEG (avoid WebP for email)
- Keep file sizes reasonable
The Resolution Factor
Format matters less if your resolution is wrong:
- Always export at 2x for retina displays
- A 2x PNG will look better than a 1x JPEG
- High resolution can offset some compression artifacts
Practical Workflow
For mockups and screenshots:
1. Create at high resolution (2x your display size)
2. Export as PNG if it has text or UI elements
3. Use WebP for web if file size matters
4. JPEG only for photo-heavy images
Quality Settings
If using JPEG or lossy WebP:
- 90-100% quality for important marketing images
- 80-90% quality for general web use
- Below 80% only when file size is critical
Compression artifacts become visible below 80%, especially on text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PNG or JPEG better for screenshots?
PNG is better for screenshots because it uses lossless compression, preserving sharp text and UI elements perfectly. JPEG compression creates visible artifacts around text and edges, making screenshots look blurry or noisy.
What format should I use for App Store screenshots?
Use PNG for App Store screenshots. Apple accepts both PNG and JPEG, but PNG preserves the crisp text and UI elements that make your app look professional. The larger file size is worth the quality.
Does Twitter convert PNG to JPEG?
Yes, Twitter converts all uploaded images to JPEG. However, you should still upload PNG because Twitter's conversion from a high-quality PNG source produces better results than uploading a pre-compressed JPEG.
What is WebP and should I use it?
WebP is a modern image format that offers smaller file sizes than PNG with similar quality. Use it for website images where loading speed matters. Avoid it for App Store uploads or platforms that don't support it.
What JPEG quality setting should I use?
Use 90-100% quality for important marketing images, 80-90% for general web use. Below 80%, compression artifacts become visible, especially around text. For screenshots with text, just use PNG instead.
Related Reading
- Best Screenshot Size: Complete Guide - Optimal dimensions for every use
- Screenshot Size Guide: Dimensions for Every Platform - Platform-specific dimensions
- How to Take Better Screenshots: Tips for Professional Results - Capture techniques
- 7 Screenshot Mistakes That Make Your Product Look Amateur - Quality-related mistakes
Conclusion
For screenshot mockups, PNG is usually the right choice. The file size is worth the quality, especially for images with text and UI elements.
Use WebP for web display when you need to optimize loading times. Save JPEG for photos.
When in doubt, PNG. Quality matters more than a few extra kilobytes.