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JPEG vs PNG for Documents — Which Is Better and When

Last Updated: June 2026 · 5 min read

Choosing the correct image format is essential when uploading documents to official portals. JPEG and PNG handle data differently, which impacts file size and visual quality. This guide compares JPEG and PNG to help you choose the right format for your documents.

The Core Difference — JPEG vs PNG

  • JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Uses lossy compression, which discards less noticeable visual details. It generates small files, making it ideal for photos and scanned documents.
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Uses lossless compression, keeping every pixel intact. It produces high-quality images but with much larger file sizes, making it best for screenshots and icons.

Which Format Do Government Portals Accept?

Most Indian portals (such as UPSC, SSC, and banking registration pages) accept only JPEG/JPG format. PNG uploads are typically not supported due to their larger file size.

When to Use JPEG

JPEG is best for:

  • Passport photos.
  • Signature scans.
  • Aadhaar card scans.
  • Any form upload with strict file size limits (like 50KB).

When to Use PNG

PNG is best for:

  • Screenshots with clear text.
  • Graphics with transparent backgrounds.
  • Archiving high-resolution digital copies where file size is not a constraint.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Slightly, due to lossy compression. However, the difference is practically invisible, keeping text readable and clear.

JPEG is preferred, as it produces smaller file sizes that comply with portal limits.

No. The UPSC portal accepts only JPEG/JPG formats for candidate photos and signatures.

PNG keeps all image data without compression, while JPEG optimizes and discards less critical details to save space.

PNG is better for digital graphics, but high-resolution JPEGs are widely used and accepted for printing photos.