What is the Difference Between JPG and JPEG File Format?

You might have seen JPG and JPEG files while working with images online. Do you think about which one is better for your website? Do you use them in the same way? You know what, the right image format can have a great impact on your project. You need images that are small in size but high in quality. So, it is important to know the difference between JPG and JPEG file formats.

Let's explore and understand the differences between these two formats and find out which one is better.

What is the JPEG Format?

JPEG is the short form of the Joint Photographic Experts Group. It was an organisation that created the format in 1992. It was created to maintain the balance between compression and quality.

Mainly it was designed to reduce or compress the file size without compromising on the image quality. That was the reason, the JPEG files were most commonly used by digital cameras and photo-sharing devices

What is the JPG Format?

JPG is a short form of JPEG. It was used in older Windows when Older versions of Windows only supported three-letter file extensions. That’s why, windows automatically shortened “JPEG” to “JPG.” However, Mac and Linux systems did not have this limit, so they saved the images in ".jpeg" format.

Today, people commonly use both "JPG" and "JPEG” file extensions, even though they are in the same format.

What is the Difference Between JPG and JPEG?

There is no difference in jpg and Jpeg file format except for their names. The difference in their name is purely historical. JPEG is the short form of “Joint Photographic Experts Group” whereas JPG is the short form of JPEG. Both have the same file format.

In fact, if you rename a file from ".jpeg" to ".jpg," you will see that there will be no change in its format. It will remain the same because both extensions are the same. Therefore, both extensions will work the same way.

If you need to transfer JPG to JPEG, you can do so without any issue, as both are essentially the same file type. Additionally, you can use a JPG to PDF Converter to merge multiple JPG or JPEG files into a single PDF document.

Common Myths About JPG/JPEG

JPG and JPEG are different file formats with different extensions.
JPG is lower quality as compared to other image formats like PNG or GIF.
Resaving JPG files more than one time can reduce quality
JPEGs are not suitable for professional work.
JPEGs are not web-friendly.

Uses of JPG/JPEG Format In the Digital World

JPG keeps your photos sharp and saves storage space.
Images in JPG format load quickly on websites while maintaining image quality.
JPEG or JPG are compatible with social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
JPG allows easy attachment of images to emails or documents.
JPG works well for printing photos and posters in high resolution.

Benefits of JPG/JPEG Format

JPG is one of the most popular image formats because of its efficient compression, versatility, and compatibility across devices.

High Compatibility Across All Devices

JPG or JPEG is compatible with all devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, you don’t need extra plugins or converters to open or view JPG files. High compatibility made it a standard format for digital photography, websites, and mobile apps.

You can use it to share personal or informational data through images on social platforms. Moreover, you can embed it in a document or print it without any compatibility issues. JPG just works, no matter what device or platform you’re using.

Adjustable Quality Levels

JPG/JPEG formats allow you to balance between size and quality. A large-size image retains the high-quality but if you compress the size it may lower the quality, although it will still appear clear.

This option is very helpful to pick the right setting for your needs. A photographer might use high-quality JPGs for print. On the other hand, a web designer might choose a lower-quality setting to make the image load faster on a website.

Lossy Compression for Smaller File Sizes

JPG use less space without losing much quality. It simply reduces file size by removing some unnecessary data. That’s why, people use it most commonly on WhatsApp, Facebook and other platforms.

But remember, resaving an image multiple times can make the image look worse over time. So, if you plan to edit, keep a backup of the original file.

Related Blog: How to Convert JPG to PDF?

Conclusion

JPG and JPEG are the same. The only difference is the file extension. Older Windows versions allowed only three-letter extensions, so they used ".jpg." Other systems had no such limit and kept ".jpeg."

The file extension does not change image quality or how the file works. You can use either one without any problem. Both formats give you the same great image quality, so pick the one that fits your needs. Moreover, if you need to combine multiple images into a single document, you can easily convert them using a JPG to PDF Converter for a more efficient and organized solution.

FAQs

Are the JPG and JPEG formats the same thing?

Both have the same format with different file extensions. JPG is just a shorter version of JPEG and both are created by the Joint Photographic Expert Group.

Can you open JPG and JPEG files in the same programs?

Yes, you can. Both work in the same software without any issues because they are the same file type.

Do JPG and JPEG have the same image quality?

Yes, the quality is the same. The compression settings, not the file extension, determine the image quality.

Is there any difference in the file size of JPG and JPEG?

There is no difference in their file sizes. The file size depends on the image’s resolution, compression, and quality settings.

Which format is better for high-quality photos?

JPG and JPEG file extensions work the same way. However, the compression level can affect the quality.