How to open JPEG files
Universal. When a browser or application cannot decode the file directly, convert a copy to JPG for compatibility or PNG when transparency and lossless graphics matter.
When to use JPEG
- Photographs
- Email attachments
- Broad compatibility
Best settings for JPEG
- Use JPG for photographs, previews, email attachments, and upload forms that need broad compatibility.
- Choose a medium to high quality setting for photos, then inspect faces, text, gradients, and shadow areas at the final display size.
- Keep a PNG, TIFF, RAW, or original camera file as the editable master when future retouching or lossless editing matters.
Compatibility checklist
- JPG does not support transparency, so transparent pixels need a background color before export.
- Repeated JPG saves can add visible artifacts; convert from the best available original when possible.
- For website delivery, compare JPG against WebP or AVIF when page weight is more important than legacy support.
Limits to consider
- Repeated saves reduce quality
- Transparent pixels require a background
Convert JPEG images
Choose an output based on the destination, not just file size. Conversion runs locally in your browser whenever the required decoder is available.