Alexis Kestler
As a graphic designer and technology enthusiast, I‘ve done my fair share of image format conversions. JPG and PNG are the two dominant image formats on the web, each with their own strengths. But when do you need to convert JPGs to PNGs? And what are the best free tools to use?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my insights as a power user on everything you need to know about converting JPG images to PNG format with free tools.
We‘ll cover:
- Key differences between JPG and PNG and when to use each
- 5 common reasons to convert JPG to PNG
- Step-by-step walkthroughs of 8 top free JPG to PNG converters
- Detailed comparison of the converters including pros, cons and key features
- My recommendations for the best free JPG to PNG tools
- Expert tips for maintaining image quality when converting from JPG to PNG
- Additional resources on image optimization, automation and more
By the end, you‘ll be a pro at converting JPGs to PNGs with ease using the best free tools available!
JPG vs PNG: Choosing the Right Image Format
Before we dive into the how of conversion, it‘s important to understand the what and why – what are JPG and PNG formats best suited for?
When to Use JPG
JPG, also known as JPEG, is the most common image format used online and for digital photographs. Here are its key features and ideal use cases:
-
Digital Photos – JPG is optimized for storing photographic images with millions of colors. The lossy compression works well for retaining quality.
-
Web Images – JPG is the go-to choice for website images like photos thanks to small file sizes from compression.
-
File Size – Compression ranges from 1:10 to 1:100. The higher the compression, the smaller the file. Useful for web bandwidth.
-
No Transparency – A limitation is JPG does not allow transparency and always displays images as rectangles.
According to surveys, over 82% of all online images are stored as JPG thanks to the format‘s versatility and efficient compression. For any photographic images or content intended for the web, JPG is likely the best choice.
When to Use PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless raster format that excels with different types of images compared to JPG. Key attributes of PNG:
-
Transparency – PNG images support transparency and alpha channels unlike JPG. Perfect for logos, icons and graphics.
-
Lossless Compression – PNG uses lossless compression so no data is lost when saving the file multiple times.
-
Higher Quality – PNG does a better job than JPG at preserving sharp edges, text quality, and rich details.
-
Large File Size – Lossless compression leads to much larger file sizes compared to lossy JPG.
According to surveys, PNG usage accounts for about 15% of web images. PNG is commonly used for logos, infographics, illustrations, and other images requiring transparency or crisp text.
JPG and PNG Comparison
Here‘s a quick summary comparing the JPG and PNG formats:
| Image Format | Best Use Cases | Compression | File Size | Transparency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPG | Digital photos for web | Lossy | Small | No |
| PNG | Logos, text, graphics | Lossless | Large | Yes |
Both formats have their benefits. By choosing the right format and converting when needed, you can get the most out of your images!
5 Common Reasons to Convert JPG to PNG
There are several scenarios where you may want to convert existing JPG files over to PNG format:
1. Require Transparent Background
One of the biggest reasons to convert JPG to PNG is when transparency is needed. For example, converting a JPG logo or icon over to PNG allows a transparent background instead of the JPG rectangle frame. PNG supports full transparency with an alpha channel.
2. Improve Image Quality
Converting high quality photos from JPG to PNG can improve sharpness and detail. The lossless PNG compression preserves quality better than lossy JPG for images with rich textures.
3. Reduce Compression Artifacts
Repeatedly saving JPG files causes generational loss and compression artifacts due to the lossy compression. Converting to PNG eliminates this quality loss when repeatedly opening and saving the file.
4. Overlay Images with Transparency
PNG‘s support for transparency makes it possible to easily overlay one image on top of another without a background rectangle. This is useful for comps, collages, etc.
5. Use with Digital Painting Tools
Many digital painting, drawing, and photo editing tools default to PNG as it provides higher quality and flexibility compared to JPG.
Step-by-Step: 8 Best Free JPG to PNG Converters
Now that you know when and why to convert from JPG to PNG, let‘s explore the best free tools to get the job done quickly:
1. XConvert Online
XConvert is one of my favorite free online JPG to PNG converters thanks to its intuitive interface, batch processing, and quality results.
How to Convert:
-
Go to XConvert JPG to PNG converter page
-
Click "Select files" and choose up to 20 JPGs to upload
-
After uploading, click the "Convert" button
-
When finished, click "Download" to save the converted PNG files
Benefits:
- Convert up to 20 files at once
- Max file size 100 MB
- Output quality options
- Supports URLs and Google Drive
- Completely free
With an easy-to-use interface and batch support, XConvert is one of the best free online JPG to PNG converters available.
2. ImageConverter by NCH Software
For desktop conversion, ImageConverter from NCH Software is a full-featured, free image format converter for Windows and Mac.
How to Use:
-
Download and install ImageConverter on your computer
-
Run ImageConverter and click "Add Files" to select JPGs
-
In the right pane, select PNG as the output format
-
Click the "Convert" button to convert JPG to PNG
-
When finished, click "Save All" to save the PNG files
Benefits:
- Windows and Mac versions
- Batch convert unlimited images
- Lossless PNG compression
- Preserve metadata
- Completely free with no limits
For repeated bulk conversions, ImageConverter is an excellent free choice for the desktop.
3. Convertio Online Converter
Convertio offers an easy to use online JPG to PNG converter along with over 200 other file conversion options.
How to Convert:
-
Go to Convertio JPG to PNG converter page
-
Click "Choose Files" and select up to 20 JPGs to upload
-
After uploading, click the "Convert" button
-
When finished, click "Download" to save the converted PNG files
Benefits:
- Upload from computer or Google Drive
- Convert up to 20 files
- Max file size 100 MB
- Choose PNG compression level
- Simple and easy to use
For basic JPG to PNG conversions, Convertio is a solid free online tool.
4. Adobe Photoshop (premium software)
While not free, Photoshop is the industry standard image editor and provides top quality JPG to PNG conversions.
How to Convert:
-
Open your JPG file in Photoshop
-
Go to File > Export > Export As
-
Choose PNG from the file format drop down
-
Click Export to save as PNG
Benefits:
- Lossless PNG quality options
- Batch convert files
- Advanced color management
- State of the art conversion algorithm
- 30 day free trial available
For the absolute best quality and flexibility, Adobe Photoshop is ideal for converting JPG to PNG.
5. GIMP Open Source Image Editor
GIMP is a full featured free open source image editing tool with JPG to PNG conversion capabilities.
How to Use:
-
Open JPG image in GIMP
-
Go to File > Export As
-
Change file format to PNG
-
Set PNG compression level
-
Click Export to convert JPG to PNG
Benefits:
- Completely free and open source
- Available for Windows, Mac, Linux
- Supports batches for converting multiple files
- Customizable PNG compression settings
- Useful image editing tools
For a free Photoshop alternative, GIMP provides a powerful desktop option to convert from JPG to PNG.
6. LunaPic Online Photo Editor
LunaPic offers quick online photo editing with handy JPG to PNG conversion capabilities.
How to Use:
-
Go to LunaPic Editor
-
Click "Browse" and open JPG file
-
On the right, click dropdown under "Format" and select PNG
-
Click "Save and Close" to download converted PNG
Benefits:
- Use right in your web browser
- Convert individual images
- Simple point and click interface
- Edit images before converting
- Completely free
For quick one-off JPG to PNG conversions, LunaPic is a handy free online editor.
7. XnConvert Batch Converter
XnConvert is a free batch image converter for Windows and Mac supporting JPG to PNG.
How to Use:
-
Download and install XnConvert
-
Add JPG files to the input panel
-
Set PNG as the output format
-
Choose PNG compression settings
-
Click the "Convert" button to convert JPG to PNG
Benefits:
- Windows and Mac versions
- Convert unlimited images
- Support for batch conversion
- Customizable PNG settings
- Completely free
For bulk JPG to PNG conversions on desktop, XnConvert is an excellent free choice.
8. FileZigZag Online Converter
FileZigZag provides an array of free online file conversion tools including JPG to PNG.
How to Use:
-
Go to FileZigZag JPG to PNG tool
-
Click "Choose Files" and select up to 20 JPGs
-
After uploading, click the "Convert" button
-
When finished, click "Download" to save the PNG files
Benefits:
- Convert up to 20 files at once
- Max individual file size 50 MB
- Easy drag and drop interface
- Convert JPGs to 8 other formats
- 100% free service
FileZigZag offers a straightforward free online JPG to PNG conversion tool.
Comparing the Best JPG to PNG Converters
Here is an overview comparing the key attributes of the top free JPG to PNG converter options:
| Converter | Platform | Batch | Max Files | Max Size | Compression | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XConvert | Online | Yes | 20 | 100MB | Yes | Free | Top Pick |
| ImageConverter | Windows/Mac | Yes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Yes | Free | Best Desktop |
| Convertio | Online | Yes | 20 | 100MB | Yes | Free | Great Online |
| Photoshop | Windows/Mac | Yes | Unlimited | 4GB | Yes | Subscription | Best Quality |
| GIMP | Windows/Mac/Linux | Yes | Unlimited | Limited by System | Yes | Free | Best Open Source |
| LunaPic | Online | No | 1 | 20MB | No | Free | Simple Online |
| XnConvert | Windows/Mac | Yes | Unlimited | Limited by System | Yes | Free | Top Desktop Batch |
| FileZigZag | Online | Yes | 20 | 50MB | No | Free | Decent |
Based on the comparison, here are my top picks:
-
Best Overall: XConvert – Offers the best combo of ease of use, features and quality for free online conversion.
-
Best Desktop: ImageConverter – Excellent software with unlimited batch conversion and full features.
-
Best Quality: Photoshop – The premium software provides the highest quality results but requires a paid subscription.
-
Best Open Source: GIMP – A powerful free alternative for conversions on Windows, Mac or Linux operating systems.
No matter your needs, one of these free tools can handle converting JPG images to high quality PNG format with ease!
Expert Tips for JPG to PNG Conversion
Drawing from extensive personal experience converting between formats, here are my top professional tips for optimal JPG to PNG conversion:
-
Use maximum quality settings – When exporting PNG files, use the highest quality settings to preserve image details. This results in larger files but maximum quality.
-
Optimize PNG files – PNG files are generally much larger than JPGs. Be sure to optimize converted PNGs with a tool like ImageOptim to reduce file size.
-
Retain original JPG – Always keep the original JPG when converting to PNG. Reconvert back to JPG if PNG is no longer needed.
-
Avoid degradation – Opening and saving JPGs causes degradation. Convert to PNG to "lock" images when repeatedly editing files.
-
Be selective – Only convert images benefiting from PNG‘s capabilities. For photos, JPG remains a good choice over PNG in most cases.
-
Automate conversions – Use a script or tool to automate converting batches of images from JPG to PNG to save time.
Following these tips will ensure you get the maximum possible quality and value when converting your JPG images to PNG format.
Additional Resources
To take your image conversion skills even further, here are some helpful additional resources:
-
Optimize and Compress PNG Files – Handy guide to reducing PNG file size after conversion
-
Best JPG Compression Tools – Useful for compressing JPGs before converting to PNG
-
Automate Image Conversions with Python – How to automate bulk JPG to PNG conversion with Python scripts
-
Cloudinary Image Converter API – API for automated JPG and PNG conversions at scale
-
Online Image Converter Tools Compared – Reviews and ratings for dozens of online image converters
Converting between JPG and PNG is just one of the many image operations worth automating to enhance your workflows.
Conclusion
JPG and PNG are the most prevalent image formats used online today. Each format has its own strengths in terms of compression, file size and transparency support.
There are many great reasons to convert JPG images to the more flexible PNG format such as transparency, higher quality and eliminating compression artifacts.
In this guide, we explored 8 excellent free tools to easily convert from JPG to PNG:
-
XConvert, ImageConverter and GIMP provide full featured batch conversion capabilities.
-
Photoshop delivers the highest quality results but requires a paid subscription.
-
Tools like Convertio, LunaPic and FileZigZag offer quick online JPG to PNG conversion.
Follow the step-by-step walkthroughs to convert individual JPGs or batches using your preferred tool.
Remember to use maximum quality settings for the PNG output files and optimize the exported images when possible.
Converting from JPG to PNG allows you to get the advantages and flexibility of both formats. Add these free JPG to PNG converters to your image workflow toolkit for top quality results!
