JPG Is for Photos, Not Everything
JPG is excellent for normal photos because it makes small files that open almost everywhere. It is a poor choice for logos, UI screenshots with tiny text, transparent graphics, and files that need repeated editing.
If an application form asks for JPG, make a JPG copy. Do not replace your original PNG, HEIC, TIFF, or RAW-style master just because one website needs a smaller upload.
PNG Protects Edges, Text, and Transparency
Use PNG for screenshots, diagrams, transparent graphics, icons, and images where sharp edges matter. PNG files can be larger than JPG, but they avoid the fuzzy artifacts that make small text hard to read.
When file size is the problem, try resizing first. If transparency is not needed and the image is a photo, then a JPG copy may be better.
WebP and AVIF Are Website Formats
WebP is a strong default for modern websites because it supports photos, graphics, transparency, and smaller file sizes. AVIF can compress even more, but compatibility and encoding speed can vary depending on where the image is used.
For website publishing, keep original images in a master folder and export WebP or AVIF delivery copies. That gives you flexibility when a platform changes requirements.
HEIC and TIFF Are Often Source Formats
HEIC is common from iPhones and can be efficient, but some upload portals and older software reject it. TIFF is common in scanning, publishing, and archival workflows because it can preserve high quality, but it is often too large for everyday sharing.
Convert those formats into JPG, PNG, PDF, WebP, or AVIF based on the destination. Keep the source when quality or editability matters.
Destination-First Format Selection
The correct format depends less on the image itself than on the next place it needs to live. A job portal cares about compatibility and file size. A product website cares about page weight and visual quality. A print workflow cares about resolution and consistency. An archive cares about preserving the source well enough for future reuse.
If you choose formats this way, the decisions stop feeling arbitrary. They become straightforward output choices tied to a destination and a purpose.
Keep a Master Even When the Portal Wants Something Else
One of the most expensive habits in image handling is replacing the source with the upload copy. A small JPG for a portal is not the same thing as the master image you may need for later reuse, editing, or a different publishing channel.
Keep the master, export the delivery copy, and label the output clearly. That is the simplest way to stay flexible without having to recreate image quality that was already thrown away.