← All guides

File preparation guide

JPEG vs. PNG for Printing: Which Should You Use?

Use a high-quality JPEG for most photographs and PNG for graphics that need sharp edges or transparency. Neither format can replace enough original pixels and good focus.

By Picture To Be FramedUpdated 2026-10-02
JPEG and PNG image files ready for a print order
Practical framing advice for a piece that belongs on the wall.

01

JPEG suits photographs

JPEG is designed for photographic images and keeps a large file easier to upload. Export at high quality from the original and avoid a chain of repeated saves.

Inspect skies, skin, foliage and high-contrast edges for compression blocks or ringing, especially when the print will be large.

02

PNG suits graphics and transparency

PNG preserves crisp edges and can retain transparent areas, which is useful for logos, illustrations and some artwork. It may create a much larger file for a photograph without improving the visible print.

Whichever format you use, check the finished size, aspect ratio and resolution in the frame-fit checker before ordering.

See it before you order

Put the advice into a real frame.

Upload your picture, compare frame profiles and mats, and check the finished proportions before you commit.

Open the frame builder

Common questions

Should I send a JPEG or PNG for a photo print?

A high-quality JPEG is usually the practical choice for a photograph. Use PNG when the image is graphic or needs transparency.

Does PNG print sharper than JPEG?

Only when its lossless edges matter for the artwork. A high-quality JPEG can print very well for photographs with enough pixels.