JPG VS PSD
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Joint Photographic Experts Group and Photoshop Document.
JPG
jpgUniversal image format with lossy compression, perfect for photography.
Pros
- Small file size
- Universal compatibility
- Adjustable compression levels
Cons
- Lossy compression (quality degrades)
- No transparency support
- No animation
PSD
psdLayered design file supporting masks, smart objects, and high bit depths.
Pros
- Unlimited layers
- High bit-depth color
- Non-destructive effects
Cons
- Requires Adobe apps
- Large file sizes
- Not web friendly
When JPG wins
Stay with JPG 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 PSD wins
Choose PSD when your workflow prioritizes brand systems or motion graphics. It delivers unlimited layers plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | JPG | PSD |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/jpeg | image/vnd.adobe.photoshop |
| Developer | Joint Photographic Experts Group | Adobe |
| Release Year | 1992 | 1990 |
| Best For | Web images, Digital photography, Email attachments | Brand systems, Motion graphics, Print layouts |
Need to switch?
Where JPG still wins
Keep JPG 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 PSD deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .jpg glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PSD for brand systems while archiving originals as JPG.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.