Choose JPG when compatibility comes first
JPG is the practical default for photo uploads, messages, and services that expect a widely supported image format. It usually produces a smaller file than PNG for a photograph. In the converter, the JPG quality control lets you trade some file size against compression.
JPG cannot carry transparent pixels. Kivoza puts a white background behind transparent areas when creating JPG output, so check the preview if your source is a graphic or has an alpha channel.
Choose PNG when pixels or transparency matter
PNG is useful when you want transparent pixels or crisp edges in the rendered image. The browser canvas re-encodes decoded pixels; it does not promise source-byte, metadata, or color-profile preservation. PNG can be larger for photographs, so it may be a poor fit for a strict upload-size limit.
A quick decision
Use for a normal camera photo, a form that rejects HEIC, or a destination that needs a broadly recognised format.
Use for transparent pixels or crisp graphics when a larger re-encoded image is acceptable.
If you are unsure, create one result, inspect the preview, and check the destination's file-size and format rules before sending it.
Convert with the setting you need
- Open the Kivoza HEIC converter and add your HEIC or HEIF file.
- Select JPG or PNG in the output format control. JPG quality is shown only for JPG output.
- Press Convert all, then compare the preview and output dimensions with the destination requirement.
- Download the individual result or include it in the successful-results ZIP.
What neither choice promises
The converter renders the decoded image into a new canvas. It does not promise to preserve the source's metadata, multi-frame animation, HDR behavior, or lossless HEIC encoding. Orientation is rendered into the output pixels, but the safest check is still the preview and the downloaded file in the app where you will use it.
If a conversion fails, the local conversion guide explains the common causes and the current limits.
A measured JPG and PNG comparison
On 18 September 2026, we converted the same libheif example.heic sample (718,114 bytes) in Chromium 148 on Linux. Both outputs were 1280 × 854 pixels. At the default JPG quality of 88, the JPG was 394,047 bytes; the PNG was 2,302,195 bytes. These are results for one sample, not a promised compression ratio: photo detail and the browser encoder affect output size.
Sources and verification
These instructions are maintained with the Kivoza converter. For the original file format and implementation references, see Apple’s guide to HEIF photos and libheif v1.23.4. Browser support and output can vary; always inspect your converted file before deleting the original.