We explain the difference between JPG and JPEG with table. When it comes to images, we usually come across two popular extensions, JPG and JPEG.
This can sometimes be confusing because they are so similar that it can be difficult to tell them apart. Both are widely used in online projects.
Both formats are still on the web, which means that most of the images 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, as it is relatively smaller than other formats. However, not many people can tell the difference between JPG and JPEG.
Comparison table between JPG and JPEG (in tabular form)
JPG JPEG comparison parameter
| Where we find it more | It is more common on computers with older versions of Windows. | It is common on computers with new versions of Windows. The PC automatically changes the format to JPEG. |
| Letter format | It is a three letter file format, which has become uncommon on most computers and smaller devices. | It belongs to the new trend of multi-letter formats, which has gained popularity recently. |
| Edit programs that use it | Still, some versions of the editing program save JPG files | JPEG is the format saved by new versions of the editing program. These programs include the new versions of Photoscape, Photoshop, and Photos Pos Pro. |
| Acronym | JPG is the abbreviated acronym for Joint Photographic Experts Group | JPEG is the full name of the company that created this extension, Joint Photographic Experts Group. |
| Which is more popular | More popular than JPEG | Less popular, but people use it without realizing it. |
| Quality and improvements | Image clarity can be compromised by reducing or amplifying size and volume. | Image clarity and detail may be affected by resizing, but updates are helping users with this issue. |
What is JPG?
When we talked about JPG, we realized that there are no differences between JPG and JPEG; they are practically the same. Since JPG is also a file extension that works well for lossy graphics, it can be used interchangeably with JPEG.
In the past, Windows had established a rule that only allowed three-format extensions, resulting in a myriad of three-letter extensions, including JPG.
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 is a great format for saving small images that don’t take up too much space.
What is JPEG?
JPEG is a file extension whose acronym stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The ISO standard for this format was released in the early 1990s. This extension is a bitmap compression format that is used primarily for lossy compression.
JPEG is a very flexible extension that has a compression ratio of 10: 1 to 20: 1 that can be adjusted perfectly. In addition, 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 lies in the way that versions of Windows support file extensions when they are not in a three-letter format. Some computers may only support jpeg, while others still work with three format extensions.
- If an image, for example, has the extension .jpeg on an older computer, it is automatically reduced to .jpg to avoid confusion and continue to function properly.
- Both JPEG and JPG are used for color and photos, but image quality is reduced at the time of JPEG compression. One way to reduce these effects is to re-edit and save the image.
- One way to work with JPEG files without sacrificing quality is to determine the edits and then save them. Also, by doing so, you will avoid saving multiple times.
- If you are using newer versions of Explorer, the MIME media type for JPEG is image / jpeg, while the MIME type of image / jpeg is used in older versions.
- When uploading images with an older version, they can be downloaded in additional extensions such as .jif, .jifi, .jpe, and jif.
- In terms of size, JPG is relatively small compared to other file formats, which makes it workable at the time of compression. Image quality is sacrificed when the file is compressed.
- Poor image quality when the volume is changed can be difficult for the human eye to perceive.
- The letters that make up the acronym JPEG correspond to the full name of the company that created the Joint Photographic Experts Group extension.
- While JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, JPG stands for the same but with the ‘e’ missing and adapted to the old Windows standards.
- The only visible difference we see in these extensions is the number of characters used. JPG exists so far in older versions like MS-DOS 8.3. JPEG no longer needs to run on this operating system.
- With the new versions, we do not see that format, since the new systems use JPEG. JPG is still in use despite this limitation.
- The new Windows extensions do not have this limitation, but they work according to the new Windows standards. JPG is still popular, but JPGE is gaining traction.
- Programs like Adobe Photoshop can use JPG, but not all operating systems still support it. The new software saves JPEG by default.
Final Thought
As you can, the difference between these two file formats is almost nil. JPG is commonly seen on computers with older versions of Windows, while JPEG is used on PCs with newer operating systems.
Although many people have the latest versions of Windows, they are still more familiar with the JPG format. The JPG (also JPEG) is a file extension that does not give you a clear image but is faster in opening speed.
Regarding image quality, JPEG and JPG are the same. Therefore, if you need more clarity in the image, choose a format that best suits your needs.
