How to change a photo’s format: JPG, JPEG, JFIF, PNG and WEBP

The ones that are the same format under another name

JPG, JPEG, JFIF and JPE are four names for one thing. The three-letter extension exists because early Windows versions allowed no more, and that is where JPG and JFIF come from. Inside, the file is identical byte for byte.

That means changing JFIF to JPG is just renaming the file. Put .jpg at the end of the name and it will work anywhere that accepts JPG. Nothing needs converting and no quality is lost.

If you cannot rename it, or the destination site is being fussy, run it through the converter: it accepts .jfif files and hands you back an ordinary .jpg.

The ones that really are different formats

• JPG. For photographs. It compresses by dropping detail the eye does not notice, which is why it stays small. No transparent backgrounds.
• PNG. For logos, screenshots and anything with text or crisp lines. It loses nothing and supports transparency, at the cost of weighing considerably more on a photograph.
• WEBP. The modern one: 25% to 35% lighter than JPG at the same quality, and it supports transparency. Every browser opens it, but some desktop programs and some upload forms still do not accept it.
• HEIC. The iPhone one. It compresses even better, but Windows will not open it out of the box.

How to convert between them

Which format to pick

• To upload to a website or attach to an email: JPG. Everyone accepts it.
• For a logo with a transparent background: PNG. In JPG the transparent background is filled with white.
• For a screenshot with text: PNG. In JPG the letters come out with a dirty halo around them.
• For your own website: WEBP, if you control who visits it.