The JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) image format is a widely used and highly efficient compression method for photographs and images with a rich color palette. It employs lossy compression to reduce file sizes while maintaining an acceptable level of visual quality. JPEG files typically have the extensions .jpg or .jpeg and are commonly utilized for digital photography, online images, and graphics where a balance between file size and image quality is crucial. The format is suitable for scenarios where some loss of detail is acceptable in exchange for significantly smaller file sizes.
The PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image format is known for its lossless compression, preserving high-quality images without sacrificing detail. PNG supports transparency, making it ideal for images with sharp edges, logos, and graphics requiring a transparent background. PNG files, often identified with the .png extension, are widely used for web graphics and digital design where maintaining image integrity is crucial. The format's ability to store images with a broad spectrum of colors and transparency, coupled with its lossless nature, contributes to its popularity in scenarios where high-quality visuals are paramount.