PDF image format guide
PNG vs JPG for PDF: Which Image Format Should You Use?
PNG and JPG can both be placed in a PDF, but they preserve different kinds of images well. Choosing the format before editing can keep text and logos sharp, prevent unwanted backgrounds, and avoid an unnecessarily large PDF.
PDFEditor.store · 2026-08-16
PDF image format guide
Use PNG for graphics and JPG for photos
Choose PNG for logos, screenshots, diagrams, text-heavy graphics, and transparent backgrounds. Choose JPG for photographs or complex images where a smaller file matters more than lossless detail. The image already available to you is usually fine unless its quality or background causes a visible problem.
When PNG works better in a PDF
PNG uses lossless compression, so hard edges and small text remain cleaner after saving. It can also preserve transparency, which is useful when a logo should sit over the PDF page without a white rectangle around it.
- Company logos and signatures
- Screenshots and interface images
- Diagrams, icons, and line art
- Images that require transparency
When JPG works better in a PDF
JPG uses lossy compression and is designed for photographs with many colors and gradual shading. A sensibly compressed JPG can be much smaller than an equivalent PNG, although repeated export or heavy compression can create visible blocks and halos.
- Photographs
- Scanned pictures
- Large full-page background images
- Documents where download size is a priority
Resolution and placement matter too
The file extension alone does not guarantee a sharp result. Start with an image large enough for its intended printed size, preserve its aspect ratio while resizing, and inspect the downloaded PDF at normal zoom. Enlarging a small source image makes both PNG and JPG look blurry.
PDFEditor.store supports PNG, JPG, and JPEG placement in the browser. You can move, resize, rotate, or remove the added image before downloading the PDF, without creating an account.
Questions about PNG and JPG in PDFs
Does PNG always look better than JPG in a PDF?
No. PNG usually preserves graphics and text edges better, while JPG is often more efficient for photographs. Source resolution and compression quality also affect the result.
Can a transparent PNG stay transparent in a PDF?
A PNG can contain transparency, but the final appearance depends on the PDF renderer and the image content. Check the downloaded PDF before sharing it.
Can I add either format without signing in?
Yes. PDFEditor.store accepts PNG, JPG, and JPEG images for the supported image workflow without login or registration.
Add your PNG or JPG to a PDF
Open the PDF in your browser, place the image, adjust it, and download the result. The supported workflow does not send your PDF to application storage.