how to convert jpg to png
Quick Answer: How to Convert JPG to PNG: Open your JPG in a built-in image tool such as Microsoft Paint or macOS Preview, select Save As or Export, and choose PNG. On a phone, use a file-conversion action, shortcut, image editor, or trusted online converter. Conversion prevents further JPG loss during that export, but it cannot restore detail already removed by JPG compression.
Key takeaways
- Converting a JPG to PNG changes its format but cannot restore image detail already lost.
- Microsoft Paint and macOS Preview can convert files without extra software.
- Batch conversion saves time when you have several JPG files.
- PNG suits graphics and text, while JPG generally suits photographs.
- Renaming .jpg to .png does not convert the image.
JPG vs. PNG: Which Image Format Should You Use?
JPG generally works better for photographs, while PNG works better for screenshots, diagrams, logos, and graphics with hard edges. The right choice depends on whether you value smaller files, exact pixel preservation, or transparency.
> Quick Tip: Keep the original JPG after conversion because PNG cannot reconstruct detail that JPG compression already discarded.
JPG and Lossy Compression
JPG uses lossy compression, which reduces file size by discarding some image information. Repeatedly editing and saving a JPG can introduce additional artifacts, especially around text and sharp edges. The JPEG standard is maintained through the Joint Photographic Experts Group and related standards bodies [1].
PNG and Lossless Compression
PNG uses lossless compression, so saving the same image does not discard pixel data in the way JPG compression does. PNG also supports transparency, making it useful for interface graphics and cutout elements. The World Wide Web Consortium publishes the PNG specification [2].
JPG vs. PNG Comparison Table
| Feature | JPG | PNG | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless | JPG for compact photos; PNG for exact graphics |
| Transparency | Not supported | Supported | PNG for transparent backgrounds |
| Typical content | Photographs | Text, logos, screenshots | Match the format to the image |
| Conversion result | May contain existing artifacts | Preserves converted pixels | PNG cannot restore lost JPG detail |
For a broader format breakdown, see JPG versus PNG. You can also review how image compression works before converting a large library.
How to Convert JPG to PNG on Windows
You can convert a JPG to PNG on Windows by opening it in Microsoft Paint and saving a PNG copy. This method keeps the original file when you use Save As and choose a new filename.
> Quick Tip: Select Save As rather than Save when you want to preserve the source JPG.
Convert an Image With Microsoft Paint
Right-click the JPG, select Open with, and choose Paint. Select File, Save as, and PNG picture, then choose a folder and filename. Microsoft provides Paint as a Windows graphics application and distributes current versions through its official channels [3].
Use Windows Photos and Paint Together
Open the image in Windows Photos first when you need to rotate, crop, or check its orientation. Save those edits, open the resulting JPG in Paint, and export it as PNG. This two-app workflow is useful when Photos offers the adjustment you need but not the desired export option.
Convert Multiple JPG Files on Windows
Paint handles files individually and becomes slow for a large folder. For batch work, use a desktop editor with batch export or a local command-line utility rather than repeating Save As manually.
Batch conversion can create much larger total output because PNG does not compress photographs like JPG. Check available storage and test a small group before converting the whole folder. See how to batch resize images if the PNG files also need new dimensions.
How to Convert JPG to PNG on macOS
macOS Preview can convert one JPG or a selected group of JPG files to PNG without additional software. Preview provides an Export command for choosing another supported image format [4].
> Quick Tip: Duplicate an important image before editing it if you want an untouched source copy.
Convert a JPG With macOS Preview
Open the JPG in Preview, select File, and choose Export. Open the Format menu, select PNG, choose the save location, and confirm the export. PNG quality does not use the same lossy quality slider associated with JPG.
Export Images From Apple Photos
In Apple Photos, select the image and use File, Export, followed by Export Photo. Choose PNG when the installed Photos version offers it, then select a destination. Apple documents the available export workflow in the Photos User Guide [5].
Exporting an edited photo may include adjustments already made inside Photos. Use the unmodified-original export option when you need the original source rather than the edited appearance.
Batch-Convert JPG Files With Preview
Select several JPG files in Finder and open them together in Preview. Select the thumbnails, choose File, Export Selected Images, open Options, and select PNG. Review the destination folder carefully because batch exports can produce many similarly named files.
How to Convert JPG to PNG on iPhone or iPad
You can convert JPG to PNG on an iPhone or iPad through the Files app’s image actions or a reusable iOS Shortcut. Available commands can vary with the installed operating-system version.
> Quick Tip: Move a photo into Files first if the conversion action does not appear inside the Photos app.
Convert an Image With the Files App
Save or copy the JPG into Files, then press and hold it to open the context menu. Look under Quick Actions for Convert Image, choose PNG, and select an output size if prompted. Apple documents file and folder actions in the iPhone User Guide [6].
The Files app creates a converted copy, so check both the filename and extension before sharing it. If Convert Image is unavailable, use the Shortcut method instead of changing the extension manually.
Convert Photos With an iOS Shortcut
Open Shortcuts and create a shortcut that selects photos, converts the selected images to PNG, and saves the results to Files or Photos. Apple’s Shortcuts documentation explains how actions pass content from one step to the next [7].
A shortcut is more practical when you repeat the task or convert several images. Test it with one disposable copy first so you can confirm its destination and naming behavior.
How to Convert JPG to PNG on Android
Android conversion options depend on the phone maker and installed apps, and Files by Google does not consistently provide a dedicated JPG-to-PNG export command. If your device lacks a conversion action, use a local image editor or a trusted browser-based tool.
> Quick Tip: Check the saved file’s extension and details after conversion because Share and Download commands do not necessarily change its format.
Convert Images With Files by Google
Open Files by Google and locate the JPG. Press and hold the file, then inspect the available Open with and file-action options. Google documents Files by Google primarily as a tool for browsing, managing, sharing, and cleaning up files rather than as a full image editor [8].
If an installed image editor supports PNG export, choose Open with, edit the image if needed, and use that editor’s Save as or Export command. Device menus vary, so a conversion option available on one Android phone may not appear on another.
For several files, choose an editor with batch export or transfer them to a computer. A computer gives you clearer control over folders, filenames, and duplicate handling. Read how to transfer photos to a computer before moving a large collection.
Should You Use an Online Converter, Photoshop, or GIMP?
Use an online converter for a small number of non-sensitive images, and use Photoshop or GIMP when you need privacy, editing control, or batch processing. Local software keeps the image on your device unless you deliberately upload or sync it.
> Quick Tip: Never upload confidential, medical, financial, or identity images to a converter whose storage and deletion policies you cannot verify.
Using an Online JPG-to-PNG Converter
Upload the JPG, select PNG, start the conversion, and download the result. Check the provider’s privacy policy, upload limits, retention period, and deletion process first. Online tools also depend on your connection and may reduce dimensions or strip metadata.
Converting With Photoshop or GIMP
In Photoshop, open the JPG and use Save a Copy or Export to choose PNG; Adobe documents PNG among its supported graphics formats [9]. In GIMP, open the JPG and use Export As with a .png extension; the GIMP manual explains its export workflow [10].
For example, a product photographer should usually keep camera originals, deliver JPG copies for compact web photographs, and create PNG files only for graphics requiring transparency. Converting every photo to PNG would increase storage use without restoring missing detail.
Common mistakes include renaming the extension, deleting originals too early, and assuming conversion removes JPG artifacts. Author note: These recommendations rely on published format specifications and official software documentation; interface labels can change between operating-system and application versions.
FAQ
How do I change a JPG file to a PNG file?
Open the JPG in an image editor or built-in conversion tool, choose Save As or Export, and select PNG. Do not simply replace the .jpg filename extension because that leaves the original image data unchanged.
Does converting JPG to PNG improve image quality?
Converting JPG to PNG prevents additional lossy compression during that export, but it cannot recover detail already removed from the JPG. The converted file may therefore look the same while taking up more storage space.
How can I convert multiple JPG files to PNG at once?
Use a batch-capable tool such as macOS Preview, an image-editing application, or a carefully selected online converter. Keep copies of the original JPG files until you have checked the PNG output.
Can I convert JPG to PNG on my phone without an app?
An iPhone or iPad can use the Files app or an iOS Shortcut, depending on the installed system version. Android features differ by device, so you may need a browser-based converter or an image editor if the built-in file manager lacks PNG export.
Is it safe to use an online JPG-to-PNG converter?
An online converter can be reasonable for ordinary, non-sensitive images when its privacy and deletion policies are clear. Avoid uploading identity documents, private photographs, medical images, or confidential work files to an unfamiliar service.
Sources
- Joint Photographic Experts Group — JPEG
- W3C — Portable Network Graphics Specification
- Microsoft Support — Get Microsoft Paint
- Apple Preview User Guide — Convert image file types
- Apple Photos User Guide — Export photos, videos, and slideshows
- Apple iPhone User Guide — Organize files and folders in Files
- Apple Shortcuts User Guide
- Google Files Help
- Adobe Photoshop User Guide — File formats
- GIMP Documentation — Export File
