JPEG VS PDF
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Joint Photographic Experts Group and Portable Document Format.
JPEG
jpegAlternative extension for JPG images, widely supported across all browsers.
Pros
- Small file size
- Universal compatibility
- Adjustable compression levels
Cons
- Lossy compression
- No transparency
- Artifacts at high compression
Standard for document exchange, preserving layout.
Pros
- Universal layout preservation
- Security features
- Vector text
Cons
- Difficult to edit
- Not responsive for mobile
When JPEG wins
Stay with JPEG when you need web images or digital photography. Its strengths center on small file size and a feature set native to Joint Photographic Experts Group.
When PDF wins
Choose PDF when your workflow prioritizes contracts or manuals. It delivers universal layout preservation plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | JPEG | |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/jpeg | application/pdf |
| Developer | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Adobe |
| Release Year | 1992 | 1993 |
| Best For | Web images, Digital photography | Contracts, Manuals, Forms, Printing |
Need to switch?
Where JPEG still wins
Keep JPEG when you need small file size and workflows depend on web images / digital photography. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship PDF deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .jpeg glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PDF for contracts while archiving originals as JPEG.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.