JPEG Files

Uses of the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file format are far and wide. Initially, the file format was intended for use in Web applications, but has found a home in the high-end print production markets, as well. The JPEG file format can be your best friend if used properly, or your worst enemy if implemented incorrectly.

A JPEG file is encoded by using an adjustable lossy compression approach. This means that to achieve smaller file sizes, image data is actually thrown away. In small doses, the JPEG compression approach can be very effective and efficient. However, in larger amounts, the resulting file will contain –noise” and undesired artifacts in the image. Be very careful when preparing JPEG files for use in a print production workflow.

The JPEG format will support the RGB, CMYK, and grayscale color spaces. The use of JPEG images is supported in HTML and Web applications. However, unlike a GIF file, all of the color information is stored in the file. There is no support for transparency in a JPEG file.