JPEG / JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
JPEG (JPG) is the most common photo format, using lossy compression to keep files small. Learn how JPEG quality works and when PNG, WebP or AVIF is better.
- Type
- Image
- File extensions
- .jpg, .jpeg, .jfif
- MIME type
- image/jpeg
What is JPEG / JPG?
JPEG, standardized in 1992, is the default format for digital photos. It uses lossy compression: it discards detail the eye is less sensitive to, which makes photos 5–10 times smaller than lossless formats at good quality.
The quality setting (usually 0–100) controls the trade-off. Around 75–85 is visually close to the original for most photos; very low values create visible blocks and halos around edges. Re-saving a JPEG repeatedly adds more loss each time.
JPG and JPEG are the same format; the three-letter extension comes from older Windows file-name limits.
When to use JPEG / JPG
- Photographs and images with smooth color transitions
- Sharing by email, messaging and social networks
- Maximum compatibility with printers, cameras and older software
Limitations
- No transparency
- Text, line art and screenshots get blurry or noisy edges
- Quality degrades with every re-save
Compatibility
Supported by virtually every device and application.
Compared with other formats
Tools for JPEG / JPG files
GIF Maker
Combine a sequence of still images into an animated GIF with per-frame delay and loop control.
Image Resizer
Resize images to exact pixel dimensions or a percentage, with optional aspect-ratio locking.
Image Cropper
Crop an image to an exact region or to a centered aspect ratio such as 1:1, 16:9 or 4:5.
Image Compressor
Reduce image file size with adjustable quality and optional maximum dimensions, and see the savings.
Image Converter
Convert any common image format to JPG, PNG or WebP in a single step.
Image Rotator
Rotate an image by 90, 180 or 270 degrees, or by any custom angle with a chosen background.
Image Flipper
Mirror an image horizontally, vertically or both.
Image Watermark
Protect photos with a semi-transparent text watermark, placed once or tiled across the image.
Image Text Adder
Write a caption or label onto an image with your choice of size, color, outline and position.
Image Blur
Apply a smooth Gaussian-style blur to an entire image with an adjustable radius.
Image Sharpen
Increase perceived detail with an unsharp-mask filter that has adjustable amount and radius.
Image Grayscale
Convert a color photo to grayscale using perceptual luminance weights, with optional partial strength.
Convert other files to JPEG / JPG
GIF Frame Extractor
Save one specific frame of an animated GIF as a standalone PNG or JPG image.
Image Background Color
Replace transparent areas of a PNG or WebP with a solid background color.
PNG to JPG
Convert PNG images to compact JPG files, filling transparency with a color you choose.
WebP to JPG
Convert WebP images to universally compatible JPG files.
AVIF to JPG
Convert AVIF images to widely supported JPG files.
HEIC to JPG
Convert iPhone HEIC/HEIF photos into JPG files that open everywhere.
SVG to JPG
Rasterize SVG vector graphics to JPG at any size with a solid background.
BMP to JPG
Convert large uncompressed BMP bitmaps to compact JPG files.