File format · Compressed image

.JPEG — JPEG / JPG

The universal photo format. Lossy DCT compression keeps files small; every device, browser and printer reads it.

.jpeg
File extension
Compressed image
Type
8-bit
Bit depth
1992
Introduced

What is a .jpeg file?#

The universal photo format. Lossy DCT compression keeps files small; every device, browser and printer reads it.

Advantages#

  • Universally compatible
  • Small files
  • Ready to share straight from camera

Drawbacks#

  • Lossy — artefacts on repeated saves
  • Only 8 bits per channel: limited editing latitude
  • No transparency

How to open and convert it#

Open: any modern image viewer or editor. Convert: Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Photo, ImageMagick (magick input.jpeg output.jpg) or online converters.

Read metadata: exiftool file.jpeg — see the EXIF tag reference.

Best for: Sharing, web, final delivery when RAW editing isn't needed.

Other formats#

.avi.avif.bpg.btf.cos.dcp.dv.dvb.dvr-ms.eip.exif.exv.fits.flif.flv.fpf.fpx.gif.glv.hdr.insp.insv.iso.jxl

Frequently asked questions#

What opens .jpeg files?

Open: any modern image viewer or editor. Convert: Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Photo, ImageMagick (magick input.jpeg output.jpg) or online converters.

Is .jpeg a RAW file?

No — it is a compressed image format.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources