Transparent PNG or JPG after background removal?
Updated
Choose transparent PNG when you need the cutout on several backgrounds. Choose JPG when the white or coloured backdrop should be part of the image. Dimensions and image detail also affect file size.
On this page
Steps
- Choose PNG and Transparent when you will place the subject over another design.
- Choose JPG with a white or coloured backdrop for an image with a fixed background.
- Check the displayed dimensions and open the downloaded file in your design application.
When is transparency useful?
Transparency lets you reuse a logo or product across several backgrounds. The editor checkerboard represents transparent areas, and the dark preview helps reveal pale edges.
Compare both formats at the same dimensions
- Save the same cutout as a PNG with Transparent selected, then as a JPG with White selected. Keep the export frame and resolution the same.
- Place both files on a coloured slide. The slide shows through the PNG’s empty areas. The JPG keeps its white background.
- Check the file sizes. If you need a smaller file, compare the new file size and edge quality after compression.
What changes the file size?
A PNG can become larger when it preserves many details or alpha transparency. JPG is often useful for filled photographs but uses compression that can affect fine edges. Keep an original copy before repeated compression and editing.
Format and resolution describe different things
The editor shows the dimensions before download. Choose a resolution for the space the image will occupy in your design. Exports reach up to 4096 pixels on the longest side within source and memory limits. Changing format preserves the amount of detail available in the original.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a PNG appear white in my photo viewer?
Some viewers display transparency on white. Test the file over another colour in a design application.
Can I copy the image instead of downloading?
Use Copy PNG when your browser supports clipboard image writing and grants access. Download remains available if clipboard access fails.
Choose a format for the destination
Use transparent PNG for a subject that will appear on different backgrounds. For a shop catalogue on a fixed white backdrop, compare a filled JPG. If the file is too big, try a separate copy with dimensions close to the final viewing size.