Convert a transparent PNG to JPG

What happens to transparent pixels

A PNG can have an extra channel, called alpha, that says how see-through each pixel is. JPG has no alpha channel. During conversion, each transparent pixel must be blended with a solid colour, and the result is a flat picture.

Choose the background on purpose

• White: the safe default for documents, forms, print and light websites.
• Black: for dark designs, or to see the shape of a white logo.
• Another colour: if the logo will sit on a coloured banner or slide, use that exact colour, so the edge blends in.

In the tool, the option “Background for transparent areas” does this. The default is white.

Avoiding a fringe around the edges

Smooth edges are made of partly transparent pixels. If you convert onto white and then place the JPG on a dark background, you see a thin pale ring. Fix this by converting onto the same colour you will use afterwards. For something that will go on several backgrounds, keep the PNG.

Make it look good at the end

1. Convert at a high quality setting, around 90, since sharp edges show JPG artefacts quickly.
2. Check the result zoomed in on the edges and on any text.
3. If you will shrink it, resize first and then convert, so the edge isn’t softened twice.

When not to convert

If the image is a logo or icon used on a website, a PNG or SVG is almost always the better answer. Convert to JPG only when a system demands it, such as a form, a print service or an old email client. The reasons behind the choice are explained in PNG or JPG.