Output Formats
BatchEnhance can output in four formats. Here’s how to choose.
Same as Input (default)
Keeps each image in its original format. A JPG stays JPG, a PNG stays PNG, a WebP stays WebP.
Use this when: You don’t need to change formats — you just want to upscale and embed DPI. It’s the simplest option and avoids any unnecessary re-encoding.
JPG
JPEG compression — high quality (92%) with a small lossy compression artifact.
Pros:
- Smallest file sizes
- Universal compatibility — every printer, photo lab, and editing app accepts JPG
- Ideal for photographs (continuous-tone images without hard edges or text)
Cons:
- Lossy — each save introduces a small amount of compression artifact
- No transparency support
Use JPG when: You’re sending photos to a print lab, printing at home, or uploading to a service that requires JPG. The 92% quality setting used by BatchEnhance is above the threshold where artifacts are visible in print.
PNG
Lossless compression — no quality loss, larger files.
Pros:
- No compression artifacts — pixel-perfect output
- Supports transparency (alpha channel)
- Ideal for graphics, illustrations, logos, images with text overlays
Cons:
- Larger file sizes than JPG (often 3–5× bigger for photographic content)
- Not all print labs accept PNG directly
Use PNG when: Your images have hard edges, text, logos, or transparency — or when you want a lossless archive copy before sending to print.
WebP
A modern format from Google — smaller than JPG at equivalent quality.
Pros:
- Excellent compression — smaller than JPG at similar quality
- Supports both lossy and lossless modes
- Supports transparency
Cons:
- Not universally supported — some older print software and photo labs don’t accept WebP
- Not the standard format for print workflows
Use WebP when: You’re preparing images for web use alongside print, or archiving with smaller file sizes and you know your downstream tools support it. For sending to a print lab, JPG or PNG is safer.
Format comparison at a glance
| Same as Input | JPG | PNG | WebP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Original | Lossy | Lossless | Lossy (or lossless) |
| Transparency | Original | No | Yes | Yes |
| File size | Original | Small | Large | Smallest |
| Print lab compatibility | Original | Universal | Good | Limited |
| Best for | General use | Photos | Graphics / logos | Web + archive |
Which format do most print labs want?
Most consumer photo labs (Snapfish, Shutterfly, Walgreens Photo, etc.) prefer JPG. Professional fine art and giclée labs typically accept both JPG and PNG, and sometimes TIFF. If you’re unsure, ask your lab — or output as JPG and you’ll almost always be safe.
A note on TIFF
BatchEnhance reads TIFF files as input but does not output TIFF. If your print lab requires TIFF, output as PNG (lossless, same quality) and convert using a free tool like IrfanView or GIMP.