Images · .jpg
What Is a JPG File?
A .jpg file is the most common photo format, compressed to keep files small.
- Extension
- .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe
- Full name
- JPEG image (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
- Type
- Image
- MIME type
- image/jpeg
- Developed by
- Joint Photographic Experts Group
Free JPG Tools
These run in your browser. Your JPG files are never uploaded.
About JPG Files
JPG, also written JPEG, is the standard format for photos on cameras, phones and the web. It uses lossy compression: it throws away detail the eye is unlikely to notice, which makes a photo five to ten times smaller than an uncompressed image. You can choose how much to compress, trading size for quality. JPG doesn't support transparency or animation, and every time a JPG is edited and saved again it loses a little more quality. Photos from cameras often carry EXIF data inside the file, such as the date, camera model and sometimes the GPS location where the photo was taken. The .jpg and .jpeg extensions are exactly the same format.
How to Open a JPG File
- Windows
- Double-click the file to open it in the Photos app. Paint and any web browser also open JPG files.
- Mac
- Double-click to open it in Preview
- iPhone & Android
- JPG photos open in the Photos or Gallery app. Files saved from email or the web open in the Files app.
- Any device
- Drag the file into a browser tab such as Chrome
JPG File Questions
Is there a difference between JPG and JPEG?
No. They are the same format. Early versions of Windows only allowed three-letter extensions, so .jpeg was shortened to .jpg, and both stuck.
Can a JPG have a transparent background?
No. JPG has no transparency. Transparent areas become white or black when an image is saved as JPG. Use PNG or WebP if you need transparency.
How do I make a JPG smaller?
Lower its quality or reduce its pixel size. The JPEG Compressor on this site does both in your browser and shows the new size before you download.