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When dealing with images, we usually come across two popular extensions, JPG and JPEG. Sometimes, this can be confusing because they are so similar that it can be difficult to distinguish between them. The two are widely used in online projects.
Both formats are still all around the net, meaning most pictures we download are in JPG and JPEG. Of course, we also see formats that may sound familiar like PNG and GIF.
What makes JPG so special and popular is the size since it is relatively smaller than other formats. However, not many people are able to tell the difference between JPG and JPEG.
JPG vs JPEG
The difference between JPG and JPEG is .jpg is a short version of the .jpeg extension. JPG is a three-lettered file-extension, whereas JPEG is of four letters. JPEG gives the better color quality of files than JPG. The former version of the latter, although they both are commonly used image file extensions.
Comparison Table Between JPG and JPEG (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | JPG | JPEG |
|---|---|---|
| Where we find it most | It’s more common on computers with old versions of Windows | It’s common on computers with new Windows versions. The PC automatically changes the format to JPEG. |
| Letter formatting | It is a three-letter file format, which has become pretty uncommon on most computers and smaller devices | It belongs to the new trend of multiple-letter formats, which has gained popularity recently |
| Editing programs that use it | Still, some editing program versions save JPG files | JPEG is the format new editing program versions save. These programs include the new versions of Photoscape, Photoshop, and Photos Pos Pro. |
| Acronym | JPG is the shortened acronym that stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group | JPEG is the full name of the company that created this extension, Joint Photographic Experts Group. |
| Which one is more popular | More popular than JPEG | Less popular but people utilize it without realizing. |
| Quality and improvements | Image clarity can be compromised with reduction or amplification of size and volume. | Image clarity and details can be affected with size modification, but updates are helping users out with this problem. |
What is JPG?
When we speak of JPG, we realized that there are no differences between JPG and JPEG; they are practically the same thing. Since JPG is also a file extension that works well for lossy graphics, it can be interchangeably used with JPEG.
In the past, Windows had established a rule that only allowed three-format extensions, giving birth to an endless number of three-letter extensions, among which JPG emerged.
JPG is an extension used by digital cameras that consists of two segments and sub-formats. Some people still save in JPG format because it’s an excellent format to save small pictures that do not take up too much space.
What is JPEG?
JPEG is a file extension whose acronym stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The ISO standard of this format was launched at the beginning of the ’90s. This extension is a bitmap compression format mostly used for lossy compression.
JPEG is a very flexible extension that has a compression ration from 10:1 to 20:1 which can be perfectly adjusted. Also, the balance between storage size and quality is determined.
This is the extension that most digital cameras and photo-sharing devices are using right now.
Main Differences Between JPG and JPEG
- The difference lays in the way Windows versions support file extensions when they don’t have a three-letter format. Some computers may only support jpeg, while others still work with three format extensions.
- If an image, for example, has .jpeg extension on an old computer, it is automatically shrunk to .jpg to avoid confusion and continue working properly.
- Both JPEG and JPG are used for color and photographs but image quality is reduced at the time of compression with JPEG. A way to reduce such effects is by re-editing and re-saving the picture.
- A way to work with JPEG files without sacrificing quality is to determine the edits and then save them out. Also, by doing so, you’ll prevent yourself from saving multiple times.
- If you’re using new Explorer versions, the MIME media type for JPEG is image/jpeg, while the MIME type of image/jpeg is used in older versions.
- When uploading images using an old version, they can be downloaded in additional extensions like .jif, .jifi, .jpe, and jif.
- When it comes to size, JPG is relatively small when compared with other file formats, which makes it feasible at the moment of compression. The image quality is sacrificed when the file is compressed.
- Poor image quality when the volume is changed can be difficult to perceive by the human eye.
- The letters that make up the acronym JPEG corresponds to the full of the name of the company who created the extension Joint Photographic Experts Group.
- While JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, JPG means the same but with the missing ‘e’ and adapted to the old Windows standards.
- The only visible difference we see in these extensions is the number of characters used. JPG so far exists in older versions such as MS-DOS 8.3. JPEG does not need to run on this operating system anymore.
- With new versions, we don’t see such formatting as new systems are using JPEG. JPG is still in use despite this limitation.
- New Windows extensions do not have this limitation, but they work in line with the new Windows standards. JPG is still popular, but JPGE is gaining ground.
- Programs like Adobe Photoshop can use JPG but not all operating systems still support it. New software saves JPEG by default.
Conclusion
As you can, the difference between these two file formats is almost none. JPG is commonly seen on computers with old Windows versions, while JPEG is used by PCs with new operating systems.
Although many people have the latest versions of Windows, they are still more familiarized with JPG format. The JPG (also JPEG) is a file extension that doesn’t give you a clear image but is faster in opening speed.
As for image quality, JPEG and JPG are just the same. So, if you are in need of more clarity in the image, choose a format that fits better your needs.
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