What is a JPG file?
A JPG (or extended JPEG, Joint Photographic Experts Group file) is an image file format. Some JPG image files use the .jpg file extension and others .jpeg, but this is the same type of file. File extensions for this format include: .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jif, .jfif, and .jfi.
Today, JPG is one of the most common "lossy compression" methods for digital images. The compression level can be adjusted, giving you control over the image file size file size and itsquality. JPG aims to achieve the best possible compression with as little quality loss as possible. It typically achieves 10:1 compression with little visible difference in quality apart from file size. Note that JPG compression can reduce image quality, especially if the image is highly compressed.
JPGs are very versatile and are the most common image format on the web. JPG is a good choice for photos and images you want to send by email, store, or post on websites. Compressed images reduce upload and download times, which improves the user experience. JPG is best used for photographs and realistic paintings, and is not suitable for line art or images with text or large areas of solid color. Crisp lines can look blurry, and colors may change.
How to open a JPG file?
Since the JPG image format is well integrated and widely used, almost all photo editors support it. You can open JPG files with any browser or image viewer (including online services such as Google Drive). On a Mac, you can use Apple Preview or Apple Photos.
Mobile devices also support JPG files. You can easily view them in your email and text messages without a dedicated JPG viewer app.
Programs that can open JPG files include:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Suite
- Apple Preview
- Corel Paint Shop Pro
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Windows Photo Gallery Viewer
- Most web browsers
- GIMP
- IrfanView, etc.
