How to Convert JPG to PNG for Free (Step by Step)

FormatsBy Daniel Reyes3 min read

Need a PNG but only have a JPG? It is one of the most common image tasks, and it takes about ten seconds. This guide shows you how to convert JPG to PNG for free, when it is actually worth doing and what to expect from the result.

Convert JPG to PNG in four steps

  1. Open the JPG to PNG converter.
  2. Drag your JPG into the box or click to browse. Files up to 25 MB are supported.
  3. Check that PNG is selected under "Convert to", then click Apply.
  4. Compare the before and after previews and press Download.

Everything happens in your browser, so the photo is never uploaded to a server. That makes it a safe option for personal or client images.

Why convert JPG to PNG?

  • Editing without extra loss. Every time a JPG is re-saved it is compressed again, which can add visible artifacts. PNG is lossless, so you can open, edit and save repeatedly without further degradation.
  • Sharper text and graphics. Screenshots, diagrams and logos with hard edges often look cleaner as PNG, because JPG can leave fuzzy halos around text.
  • Software requirements. Some design tools, print services and upload forms specifically ask for PNG.
  • Transparency support. PNG can store transparency, so it is the right container if you plan to remove the background later in an editor.

What converting will not do

Converting does not improve the picture. A JPG has already thrown away some detail, and PNG preserves what is left but cannot bring back what is gone.

It also will not make the background transparent by itself. The conversion keeps every pixel exactly as it is, so a white background stays white until you remove it in an editor.

Finally, expect a bigger file. PNG usually takes much more space than JPG for photographs, which is normal because it keeps all the data.

When to keep the JPG instead

For photographs you plan to publish on a website, JPG or WebP is usually the better choice because the files are far smaller. Our guide to JPG vs PNG vs WebP explains how to choose. If a PNG turns out too large, try the Image Compressor or convert it with PNG to WebP.

Frequently asked questions

Does converting JPG to PNG reduce quality?

No. PNG is lossless, so nothing more is lost during conversion. The image will look the same as the JPG, including any compression artifacts it already had.

Why is the PNG so much bigger than the JPG?

PNG stores pixel data without discarding detail, so photos take far more space than in JPG. If size matters, convert to WebP or compress the image instead.

Try the free JPG to PNG Converter

Runs in your browser. No sign-up, no watermark, no upload.

Open JPG to PNG Converter