A JPG (or JPEG) file is a common image format that is widely used for storing digital photographs and images. It uses a compression technique to reduce the file size, making it suitable for sharing online and storing large numbers of images.

What do JPG files do?

JPG files store images in a compressed format, allowing for:

• Smaller file sizes: JPG compression significantly reduces the size of image files, making them easier to share, download, and store.
• Good image quality: JPG compression maintains a good balance between file size and image quality, especially for photographs and images with smooth color transitions.
• Wide compatibility: JPG is supported by virtually all devices and operating systems.

Where do JPG files come from?

• Digital cameras: Most digital cameras save photos in JPG format.
• Image editors: You can create and edit JPG images using image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
• Websites and online services: Websites use JPG images for displaying photos, graphics, and illustrations.
• Scanners: Scanners can save scanned documents and images as JPG files.

Are JPG files safe?

Generally, yes. JPG files themselves don’t pose any security risks. However, like any file downloaded from the internet, there’s always a slight risk of malware. It’s best to be cautious with JPG files from untrusted sources.

How to open a JPG file:

• Image viewers: Most operating systems have built-in image viewers that can open JPG files (e.g., Windows Photos, macOS Preview).
• Web browsers: Web browsers can display JPG images directly.
• Image editors: Image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint.NET can open and edit JPG files.