Whether you’re creating social media graphics, presentations, or marketing materials, Canva is one of the go-to design platforms thanks to its ease of use and vast library of templates. After dedicating time and creativity to building the perfect visual, you’ll face the simple yet important decision of which file format to export your design in. For many, PNG is the default choice—but depending on the nature of your project, you might actually be better off converting your PNG files into the JPG format.
TLDR
If you’ve been exporting all your Canva projects in PNG format, you might want to reconsider. JPG files are often smaller, load faster, and are more compatible across devices and web platforms. They’re ideal for photos and web use when transparency isn’t necessary. Converting from PNG to JPG can streamline your workflow and improve your project’s accessibility and performance.
Understanding the Difference Between PNG and JPG
Before diving into why and when you might need to convert your Canva PNG files to JPG, let’s quickly understand what sets these two file types apart.
- PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Best for graphics with transparent backgrounds, sharp edges, and text-heavy visuals. PNGs support lossless compression, meaning no detail is lost in the saving process, but they come with larger file sizes.
- JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Ideal for photographs and images where reduced file size is important. JPGs use lossy compression, which sacrifices a bit of quality for a much smaller file size and faster loading times.
Reasons You Might Need to Convert Canva PNG to JPG
While PNGs certainly have their uses, there are several practical and strategic reasons to opt for JPGs in your Canva projects.
1. Faster Loading Speeds
If your end goal involves publishing your designs on the web—think blogs, eCommerce platforms, or social media—JPG is your friend. PNG files tend to be much larger, especially if your design uses a lot of colors or includes text. Large files slow down webpage loading times, potentially damaging user experience and SEO rankings. JPGs, being significantly smaller, load faster and more efficiently.
2. Saving Storage Space
Whether you’re storing visuals locally or in the cloud, PNGs can eat up a surprising amount of space over time. JPGs make it easier to archive large batches of images efficiently. If you’re a designer working on dozens of client projects each month, those megabytes add up quickly.
3. Better Compatibility
Although PNGs are widely recognized, some platforms—including older email clients, content management systems, and photo printers—still handle JPGs better. If you’re working with these kinds of software or devices (or sharing files with someone who is), you’ll have fewer hiccups with JPGs.
4. Optimized for Photography
Photos with rich gradients and a wide range of colors work better as JPGs. When exported as PNGs, these kinds of images can actually appear unnecessarily heavy and over-detailed. JPGs allow for a more balanced visual appeal with manageable file size, making them perfect for portfolios, media kits, and social media posts centered on photography.
Scenarios Where JPG Is a Better Choice
You don’t always have to convert to JPG, but here are some specific situations when you should seriously consider making the switch:
- You’re uploading to a website and want faster page load times.
- You’re compressing visual assets for email marketing campaigns where size limits apply.
- A client or coworker requests a more universal format for easy viewing and editing.
- You’re creating photo-heavy designs and want to optimize the quality-to-size ratio.
- You plan to print the design, but don’t need a transparent background.
When You Should Stick With PNG
Of course, there are also cases where keeping your design in PNG format is advantageous. Here are some examples of when PNG should be your go-to:
- You need a transparent background, like for logos or overlays.
- Your design contains sharp lines or large blocks of text, where clarity and definition are critical.
- You’re working with icons or illustrations that need to maintain their crispness on high-resolution screens.
In other words, JPG is great for speed and flexibility, but PNG is superior for quality and precision when the project calls for it.
How to Convert PNG to JPG in or from Canva
Canva makes things easy, but if you’ve already exported your design as a PNG and want to convert it to JPG, here are your options:
Option 1: Export Directly as JPG
Before downloading your final design from Canva:
- Click on the “Share” or “Download” button.
- In the file type dropdown menu, select JPG instead of PNG.
- Slide the ‘Quality’ option to balance between file size and image resolution.
- Click Download.
Option 2: Use an Online Converter
If you’ve already exported as a PNG and need to convert after the fact, there are free online tools like CloudConvert, Convertio, or ILoveIMG that allow you to upload your PNG and download a JPG version instantly.
Option 3: Image Editing Software
If you’re using software like Photoshop, you can open the PNG and re-save it as a JPG. This offers greater control over compression levels and final quality.
Tips for Ensuring Quality While Converting
Even though JPGs are compressed, you can still retain a high-quality appearance by following these best practices:
- Start with high-resolution elements: A high-res design ensures better quality even after conversion.
- Use minimal compression: Avoid creating overly compressed JPGs which may appear pixelated or blurry.
- Preview before sharing: Always open your converted JPG to ensure it displays well across devices.
Conversion isn’t just a format shift—it’s part of your design output process, and giving it the appropriate care ensures that your hard work shines as intended.
Conclusion: Think Format Strategically
Choosing between PNG and JPG shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be a strategic part of your design planning. Knowing when to convert your Canva PNG files to JPG can impact everything from how fast your website loads, to how easily your client can open a file, to how many designs you can store.
Each format serves a purpose. Use PNGs when detail and transparency are king. Use JPGs when speed, storage, and broad compatibility matter more. Making the right call can save time, improve performance, and give your project the polish it deserves.
