White or transparent background: which one to use in an image

Transparency offers flexibility

A transparent background allows you to place the object on different colors without showing a rectangle around it. It's especially useful for logos, icons, and certain graphics.

White may be more compatible

A white background is predictable and works well when the destination expects a conventional photograph. It also avoids problems in systems that do not handle transparency.

JPG needs a real background

JPG does not save transparency. If you convert a transparent image to JPG, you must decide what color will occupy those areas. White is a common choice, but it is not the only one.

PNG to preserve transparency

When cropping requires transparent areas, PNG is a practical way out. Check the borders on a transparency pattern before downloading.

Decide according to destiny

For a logo that will be used on multiple surfaces, retain transparency. For a photo document or catalog that requires a white background, prepare a copy with that background and keep the original separate.