File Format Guide
What is a .JPG file?
The JPG format (short for Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a raster (pixel-based) image format that uses lossy compression, trading some fine detail for much smaller files. JPG files open natively in every modern web browser.
.JPG at a glance
| Category | Image |
|---|---|
| Type | Raster |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Transparency | No |
| Scalable (vector) | No |
| Animation / motion | No |
| Open standard | No |
| Opens in web browsers | Yes |
| Typical file size | Small |
How to open a .JPG file
You can open JPG files with every browser, every photo app, and cameras. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
JPG pros and cons
Strengths
- small files that are ideal for photographs
- supported by virtually every device and app
- adjustable quality vs size
Limitations
- lossy compression discards detail
- no transparency support
- quality degrades each time it is re-saved
What .JPG files are used for
- photographs
- web and email images
- social media uploads
Need to convert a .JPG file?
Convert JPG to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the JPG Converter