File Extension Database

Open JPG File

JPG file extension is used by Joint Photographic Experts Group images files. JPG (aka JPEG) files contain bitmap images that are compressed using lossy format. The standard was originally established in 1994. JPEG compression utilizes discrete cosine transform, run-length encoding and Huffman coding.

The compression is lossy meaning that original image is not represented with 100% accuracy. JPEG compression works best on real world images where color and luminance changes smoothly across the picture (without sharp edges). Sharp edges usually cause "compression artifacts". Compression artifacts are forms that are not present on the original uncompressed image. They are usually visible as small dots and lines next to the sharp edges. Amount and severity of artifacts depends on the compression ratio (or quality setting) that is chosen when image is compressed. Usually smaller resulting images causes more artifacts. It's important to note that even at maximum quality setting JPEG will product some artifacts.

JPG files also contain image metadata in a form of EXIF tags. These tags contain data about image title, creation date, camera shooting conditions such as aperture, shutter speed, focusing distance etc. Recently it has become popular to "geo-tag" images - tag image with latitude and longitude of the shooting location. This can be done either by post-processing or by digital cameras that have GPS device built it.

JPEG images may have color-space information embedded in them in a form of ICM profile. This data is used by devices such as monitors and printers to correctly display color tones on the picture. Not all software supports or correctly processes color profile information. If no colorspace definition is present sRGB is usually assumed by default.

There are many applications that can open JPG files for viewing and editing. Besides native support by almost all modern operating systems these include: AcdSee, Paint.NET, Adobe Photoshop etc.

Typical JPG application file locations:

%SystemRoot%\System32\rundll32.exe "%ProgramFiles%\Windows Photo Gallery\PhotoViewer.dll"
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Photo Viewer\PhotoViewer.dll", ImageView_Fullscreen %1
C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera\Opera.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files\Paint.NET\PaintDotNet.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"

Typical JPG mime types:

 ImageView_Fullscreen %1
image/jpeg

Frequently used application names to open JPG files:

Windows Photo Gallery
Windows Photo Viewer
Opera
Paint.NET
QuickTime
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

jpegfile
Opera.Image
Paint.NET.1
QuickTime.jpg
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.jpg.14.0

How Can I Open JPG File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open JPG file is to find a JPG file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a JPG file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open JPG file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as JPG file opener then try to search online for "JPG viewer", "application to open JPG file" or "open JPG file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open JPG file

How Can I Open JPG File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a JPG file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a JPG file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with JPG file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as JPG file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open JPG file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open JPG file then try to search for "JPG viewer", "application to open JPG file" or "read JPG file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read JPG file

How Can I Open JPG File on Android

If you downloaded a JPG file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded JPG file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "JPG".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "JPG viewer", "JPG file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open JPG File on iPhone or iPad

To open JPG File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the JPG file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "JPG". This way you can find apps which can open JPG files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "JPG viewer" or "JPG file" online in your favorite search engine.