Computer users across the globe are often confused when faced with the question of jpg vs. jpeg. Which one should we use, what’s the difference between the two and why on earth does it matter?
If you’ve ever downloaded a file from the internet or created an image file using Photoshop, you’ve probably encountered this dilemma. In both cases, there is more than one type of filename that you can use. Using either jpg or jpeg works without any issues with the file and poses no problems whatsoever.
So why are there two options available? Why not simply use one and stick with it? Why do they torture our fragile minds with this insignificant yet impressionable predicament? And more importantly, why on earth do we care?
This article will clarify some of the popular questions, misunderstandings, and myths surrounding these two file names. Try not to mix the two up!
Jpeg versus Jpg, What came first?
We know what you’re thinking; this sounds exactly like the chicken or egg dilemma from our childhood days. That may be so, but there is a definitive answer in this case, unlike the chicken or egg puzzle.
In truth, jpeg was the initial filename used for image files in the Windows operating system. So that answers the question of what file name came first.
But if that’s the case, then why does windows use two filenames? Why can’t they just stick with one? Why does this confusion still torment our lives to this day? Ok, fine, that last line might be a gross exaggeration on our part.
Anyway, coming back to filenames, Yes, jpeg is indeed the one and only original file name. However, this could not apply to junior systems such as Windows 95 or versions prior to it. This is because of the three-letter filename extension limit present in these older generation windows computers.
You see, the early windows models could only support filenames with extensions of three letters, which means that an image file that was supposed to be jpeg would be written off as jpg. It was due to this limitation that people got used to using the jpg extension for image files.
However, as the Windows system entered a new age, they soon fixed this limitation. That’s why windows users today can choose to apply either jpg or jpeg for their image files.
Did the three-letter limitation exist in other operating systems?
Apple and Linux computers do not have the three-letter limitation in any current or older model. Therefore, users of these operating systems could always use both jpg and jpeg filenames.
Is Jpeg the same as Jpg?
If you’re looking for any differences between jpg and jpeg, let us just say that you’ll find none. So to answer the above question, absolutely yes, jpeg is the same as jpg.
There are virtually no differences between the two file types besides the name. As you may have noticed, saving an image file either as a jpg or jpeg ultimately does not affect the file’s functions. Both of them are valid extensions recognized by all operating systems and can be used freely without any issues.
All current versions of Windows support both filename extensions except older models like windows DOS; but what kind of caveman would still use that, right?
Besides the core functionality, there would obviously be differences in quality depending on file format and size. But both are usable in any situation.
Should we convert jpg to jpeg?
There is no reason why one should convert a jpg file to a jpeg besides personal preference. As we mentioned before, both files will be identical to each other despite the change in the filename. Changing the extension from one to another will neither improve nor hamper the quality and workings of the image file.
How do we convert jpg to jpeg files?
Despite the two filenames having no distinctions, there might still be people who prefer one over the other. Maybe the extra letter somehow makes the image better in their eyes; we don’t really know. Either way, you’ll be glad to know that converting these files is extremely easy.
Convert jpg to jpeg files in Windows
If you want to convert a jpg file to a jpeg using your windows computer, just follow the simple steps mentioned below.
First of all, right-click on the particular file you want to convert. A drop-down menu will appear, giving you a list of possible actions. Search for the ‘rename’ option and left-click on it with your mouse.
You will notice that the filename has been highlighted, and you can now make changes by typing on it. Simple delete the jpg extension and replace it with jpeg. Your image file will now be successfully converted into a jpeg file with the correct extension.
Convert jpg to jpeg in Mac
Changing the extension from .jpg to .jpeg on a Mac computer includes the following steps.
Highlight the particular image file whose name you want to change—Right-click on it to reveal the drop-down menu. Click on ‘rename’ and simply change the extension to .jpeg by typing it with your keyboard.
Alternatively, you can highlight the image file, then click on the ‘file’ option in the tab located above the screen. Select ‘rename’ from the drop-down menu. Simply type the desired file extensions to make changes.
You can also use a shortcut that involves single-clicking the image file and typing the desired extension.
Jpg Vs. Jpeg, the conclusion
There is generally no difference between the two file names, and both can be used interchangeably. Which one you use all depends on preference and circumstance.
Some users may want to convert a jpeg image to a jpg to save file size. This is because a compressed jpg is usually smaller in size.
Meanwhile, other users may want to convert to one filename or the other due to restrictions on certain websites. This is common in the case of websites that only support one file name out of the two.
