Should I always convert to WebP?

Not always. WebP is often smallest, but some apps still expect JPEG. Match original, then try WebP if you need a smaller file.

Why did my PNG barely shrink?

A PNG that is already a tight palette may not get smaller. Try a lower quality (fewer colors), a smaller longest edge, or convert a photo PNG to JPEG or WebP.

Does JPEG keep transparency?

No. Transparent areas become white. Use PNG or WebP when you need an alpha channel.

What if the new file is larger?

For JPEG, PNG, WebP, and AVIF, PixShrink keeps the original for download and shows “No reduction.” HEIC is always converted. Change quality, size, or format if you need a smaller file.

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Formats

JPEG vs WebP vs PNG for smaller files

Photos usually shrink more as JPEG or WebP. Graphics, logos, and screenshots with flat color often stay PNG. PixShrink can keep the original format or convert when another type wins.

If the encoded file is not smaller than what you dropped in, the download stays the original. That keeps the comparison honest.

Open the compressor

How to choose an output format

Step 1
Start with Match original
This re-encodes the same type: JPEG stays JPEG, PNG stays PNG, WebP stays WebP. It is the safest first pass.
Step 2
Use JPEG or WebP for photos
Camera pictures and busy scenes compress well with quality around 60–80%. WebP is often smallest. JPEG is the most compatible.
Step 3
Keep PNG for graphics — or convert if it helps
PNG on PixShrink uses a smaller color palette by default, which is how many “tiny PNG” tools shrink icons and screenshots. PNG lossless keeps every pixel. If a photo PNG still looks bulky, try WebP or JPEG.
Step 4
Trust the size row
If you see “No reduction,” the original was already compact for those settings. Lower quality, cap the longest edge, or switch format and try again.

A simple rule of thumb

Photographs: JPEG, WebP, or AVIF. UI, diagrams, and text-heavy screenshots: PNG (lossy palette) first; PNG lossless if you cannot accept any color change. Transparency: PNG, WebP, or AVIF — not JPEG (JPEG fills a white background).

You do not need to guess perfectly. Encode, read the saved percent, and download the winner.

Quality vs longest edge

Quality mainly affects JPEG, WebP, and lossy PNG palettes. Dropping a 4000px photo to 1920px on the long side often saves more than shaving a few quality points.

Lossless PNG ignores the quality slider. Use it when you need a pixel-perfect PNG, then cap dimensions if the file is still large.

FAQ

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JPEG vs WebP vs PNG for smaller files

How to choose an output format

Start with Match original

Use JPEG or WebP for photos

Keep PNG for graphics — or convert if it helps

Trust the size row