Printing, files and sharing
PNG vs JPG: which file format to use
When you download digital scrapbooking supplies, you will notice two main image file types. Some files end in JPG, while others end in PNG. Understanding the difference between these formats helps you build your pages correctly and get the best print quality. This guide explains why background papers and individual elements use different file formats. You will learn how each file type handles transparency and image compression. We also cover the best way to save your finished layouts for printing at a photo lab. Knowing which format to use will keep your digital stash organized and your printed pages looking sharp.
JPG in short
JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, but you only need to know how it handles images. JPG is a very common image format. It uses lossy compression to keep file sizes small. This means the file throws away a tiny bit of data to save space.
Every time you open, edit, and resave a JPG, it loses a little more quality. Because of this, you should avoid editing and resaving the same JPG file many times.
JPG files also do not support transparency. Every part of a JPG is filled with solid pixels. If you try to erase a section of a JPG, the background will just show up as solid white or black. This makes it a bad choice for individual graphic elements.
PNG in short
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It is another standard image format, but it works differently than JPG. PNG uses lossless compression. You can save a PNG file over and over without losing any image quality.
The most important feature of a PNG is that it supports transparency through an alpha channel. This means parts of the image can be completely see-through.
When you place a PNG on your scrapbook page, the layers underneath will show through the transparent areas. This makes PNG the perfect format for items that do not fill a whole page.
Which supplies use which format
When you download supplies from Free Digital Scrapbooking, you will notice kits use both formats for specific reasons. Digital papers are usually JPG files. A standard digital scrapbook paper fills the whole page and has no transparent parts.
A full page is 12 x 12 inches at 300 pixels per inch, which equals 3600 x 3600 pixels. Saving these large backgrounds as JPG keeps the file size manageable.
On the other hand, embellishments and digital alphabets are transparent PNG files. Items like ribbons, buttons, and frames need clear edges so you can layer them over your background paper. If you accidentally save a PNG element as a JPG, the software will fill the transparent area with a solid white or black box.
What to export for printing
When you build a page, always keep your working file in a layered format like PSD, XCF, or the native Affinity format. A layered file lets you move items around and adjust shadows later. Once your page is finished, you need to save a flat copy for printing.
- Save your main layered file first.
- Choose the export or save as option in your software.
- Select JPG as the file format.
- Set the quality slider to the highest setting.
Most photo labs accept high quality JPG files for printing. If you are printing a whole book, check with your printer first. Some book printers prefer PDF files instead.
If you spot a mistake on your printed page, do not open the flattened JPG to fix it. Always go back to your layered file, make the correction, and export a fresh JPG. You can read more about printing scrapbook pages at home vs at a photo lab.
Dealing with newer formats
You might run into newer image formats like WebP or HEIC. Many smartphones save photos as HEIC files by default. WebP is often used for images downloaded from websites.
While these formats are becoming more common, they can cause issues with older software. Many digital scrapbook programs and photo labs still expect standard JPG or PNG files.
If your software refuses to open a photo, check the file extension. You might need to convert your HEIC or WebP images to JPG before you can add them to your layout. Doing this basic photo editing before you scrapbook will save you frustration later.
Questions people ask
Why did my PNG element get a white background?
You likely saved the PNG file as a JPG by mistake. JPG files do not support transparency. When you save a transparent image as a JPG, the software automatically fills the empty space with solid white or black pixels. Always save elements as PNG files to keep the background clear.
Can I change a JPG paper into a PNG?
You can open a JPG paper and save it as a PNG, but there is no real benefit. The paper will look exactly the same and still have no transparent parts. The only difference is that the new PNG file will take up much more storage space on your computer.
Should I save my finished scrapbook pages as PNG or JPG?
You should export your finished pages as high quality JPG files. Most photo labs require JPG files for printing single pages. While PNG is lossless, a 12 x 12 inch PNG file is very large and can be difficult to upload to printing websites.