JPEG, short for Joint Photographic Experts Group, refers to a commonly used image file format that employs lossy compression. It is widely utilized for storing and transmitting digital images, especially photographs, over various digital platforms and devices.
JPEG files are characterized by the extension ".jpg" or ".jpeg" and are highly compatible with both web browsers and image-editing software. They utilize an algorithm that selectively discards some image details, mainly those that are less noticeable to the human eye, to reduce the file size and make it more manageable for storage and transmission. This compression technique results in a loss of image quality, as some data is permanently discarded in order to achieve smaller file sizes.
The JPEG format allows users to strike a balance between file size and image quality, catering to different purposes and requirements. It offers a range of compression options, including high, medium, and low levels, providing users with the flexibility to choose the most suitable balance based on their needs.
Due to its ubiquity and versatility, JPEG has become the standard format for sharing images across a wide variety of digital platforms, such as websites, social media, email attachments, and digital cameras. However, it is worth noting that repeatedly compressing and saving JPEG files can lead to degradation of image quality, as each compression cycle introduces further loss of data. Therefore, when editing or manipulating images, it is advisable to use lossless formats like PNG or RAW before converting them to JPEG for final distribution or display.
