JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely-used lossy image compression format designed for digital photographs and web graphics. It uses discrete cosine transform (DCT) algorithms to compress image data, reducing file size while maintaining reasonable visual quality. JPEG supports 24-bit color depth and allows adjustable compression levels, enabling users to balance image quality and file size.
Compact file size, universal compatibility, supports millions of colors, configurable compression, widely supported across devices and platforms, excellent for photographic and complex visual content with smooth color transitions.
Lossy compression reduces image quality, not suitable for graphics with sharp edges or text, progressive quality degradation with repeated saves, limited transparency support, potential compression artifacts in complex images.
JPEG is extensively used in digital photography, web design, social media platforms, digital cameras, smartphone galleries, online advertising, and graphic design. It's ideal for photographic images with complex color gradients and is the standard format for most digital photo storage and sharing applications.