Png or jpg for word

The keyword to my question i «paste», not «save».

My company uses a tool that will evaluate the Word documents we made, and one of the criteria is all the images must be in JPG. Regardless of what 3rd party screenshot I used (Lightshot, Greenshot, ShareX, Skitch), the pictures will always be pasted as PNG in Word. The tools have setting to save the image as JPG, but only for save, not copy to clipboard as JPG. This means whenever I paste an image from screenshot, it will be pasted as PNG, then I have to cut and paste special as JPG. Problem is most of my screenshots involves small details, and when cutting and pasting from an already pasted image, the resolution becomes significantly worse. I tried the «do not compress» and «high fidelity» options in Word, but no improvement in image quality.

So the only option I can think of is making sure when an image is copied into clipboard, it is already in JPG, so I don’t have to repaste the image. Can anyone help guide me on how to do this?

Edit: So I found out that regardless of what image type you copy on, Word will always paste it as PNG. To convert it to JPG, you have to cut from the already pasted image in Word, and paste it again as JPG, which resulted is significant loss in quality. It seems it depends on the source of the image you copied from, where if Word doesn’t recognize it, you can only paste in the default image format. If I can somehow change the default paste format in the registry that would be great.

Word not recognizing the source

Summary: Are you confused over JPEG vs. PNG image file format? Both formats have their advantages. Learning the differences will help to make the right choice of file format in your photos. This post shares in detail when and why you should use JPEG and PNG formats.

Often, it’s difficult to decide over JPEG vs. PNG image format. More so because both seem to have desirable qualities. You may like PNG for its high-quality compression but can’t ignore that JPG is faster to load and occupies less space.

Whether you need to edit, share online, print, or archive, choosing the right photo format is crucial. So if you are having a problem in deciding between JPEG and PNG, this post guides you to make the right choice.

What is JPEG image format?

JPEG or Joint Photographic Experts Group is a compressed image format that uses .jpg or .jpeg as file extension. The format is universally preferred as it compresses the file without compromising the image fidelity. The compression is hardly noticeable, especially in nature and people photography. With JPEG, you can store a high-quality image in a smaller size, thus save space on your drive. Besides, the format is considered optimal for photography as it brings fine color and tone in the images. Almost all DSLRs, digital cameras, smartphones, etc., record photos in JPEG format. Like the RAW file format of cameras, JPEG doesn’t require much processing.

It is commonly used for web, printing, or archiving photographs. You can easily upload or share JPEG/ JPG photos on email, Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tumblr, etc.

However, the format is not appropriate for saving graphics, texts, or line drawings. Also, if you want to edit photos, don’t save them in JPEG format. Multiple editing or processing of JPEG image results in image data loss.

Key benefits of JPEG/ JPG format

• Occupy less space on storage drive/media
• Widely supported by photo viewers, editing tools, and devices
• Photos originally shot in JPEG format don’t require much work in terms of white balance, contrast, sharpening, etc.
• Quick to download and share across devices, networks, and online applications

What is a PNG image format?

PNG or Portable Network Graphics file format uses a .png file extension. It is a raster graphics image format, which supports lossless data compression.

PNG is the best format for photos that contain graphics, lines, edges, drawings, or text, such as in logos, architectural blueprints, screenshots, etc. A PNG file of the same size as JPEG will be sharper and display a better photo quality. Unlike JPEG format, PNG supports transparent background. You can remove or add effects in the background of your images.

But a photo saved in PNG format will be significantly larger than JPEG. Thus, it occupies more space in your drive compared to a JPEG file. Plus, PNG files take longer to download.

Key benefits of PNG format

• Lossless compression ensures high photo quality
• Creates sharper and crisp graphics
• Best for creating background effects and overlays
• Supports transparent background

JPEG vs. PNG – Which image format is better?

Both JPEG and PNG file format have their advantages and drawbacks. Which is better depends upon the kind of photograph and how you plan to use it.

Usually, industry standards follow JPEG format for regular photos and PNG for geometric drawings, maps, illustrations, text images, etc.

For nature, travel, or people photography, JPEG would be an ideal format. While for creative portfolios or product photos for posting on ecommerce websites, you can choose PNG, which supports a transparent background.

You may like: Highest Quality Image Format for Photographers – JPEG, TIFF, PNG, PSD, or RAW

PNG or JPG for Editing

The high-resolution PNG image files contain more image data than JPEG and thus apt for editing. Professionals prefer PNG over JPG for editing graphics, drawings, product photos, logos, etc., in Photoshop, PaintShop Pro, CorelDraw, and others. PNG format is best for getting transparent background or shadow effects in images.

PNG or JPG for Archiving

Archiving or storing pictures in JPEG format helps to save more number of photos on your device. PNG files are large and take more storage space. So you can archive or backup thousands of your precious photos in JPEG format on any drive.

You may like to read: Recover deleted photos from any device

PNG or JPG for Printing

PNG files are high-resolution images with better color depth, so they deliver good quality printouts using home or office printers. Contrary, JPEG photos may get blurry or show loss of color in printing output.

However, professionals don’t prefer PNG for commercial printing of posters, mugs, T-shirts, etc., as it doesn’t support CMYK color. PNG and JPEG support RGB format.

PNG or JPG for Web

You can use either JPEG or PNG image formats for online photo upload. Small-sized compressed JPEGs are usually a clear winner over PNG for websites.

But the decision should depend on the kind of image to be uploaded. Graphics or screenshots appear better in PNG format. At the same time, large size and lossless compression of a PNG file should not increase the loading time on the website. So ensure right balance between image quality, size, and site performance when choosing JPEG or PNG for web publishing.

Expert’s advice when JPEG or PNG photos get corrupt or damaged

Always use a secure and professional photo repair software when JPEG or PNG files have turned corrupt. Experts recommend an advanced tool – Stellar Repair for Photo that fixes image file header and data corruption. The software can fix greyed-out, color-damaged, and blurry photos and make them pristine again.

Difference between JPEG and PNG

Finally, JPG or PNG: Which should I use?

The choice between JPEG and PNG should largely depend upon how you will use the photos – editing, archiving, printing, or other. Type of photo also matters — screenshot, product, architectural design, family photo, landscape scenery, etc.

If you’re still in a dilemma, save the photo in both JPEG and PNG format. Compare and then take the decision.