Glossary Sections

JPEG

Last Updated: November 12, 20242.6 min read

Overview

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. It is a lossy compression standard for digital images. Lossy compression means that some data from the original image is discarded in order to reduce the file size.

JPEG is a popular choice for compressing images for use on the web and in other applications where file size is important. It is also a common format for storing images in digital cameras and other devices.

JPEG works by dividing the image into small blocks of pixels. The color information for each block is then compressed using a combination of Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and quantization. DCT is a mathematical technique that converts the color information into a frequency domain. Quantization then reduces the number of bits used to represent each frequency.

The amount of compression that is applied to each block is controlled by a quality factor. A higher quality factor results in less compression and a larger file size. A lower quality factor results in more compression and a smaller file size.

Here are some of the benefits of using JPEG in computer graphics:

  • Small file size: JPEG can be used to compress images to a much smaller file size than other formats, such as TIFF and PNG. This makes it a good choice for images that need to be stored or transmitted over a network.
  • Widespread support: JPEG is a widely supported format, meaning that it can be opened and viewed by most image viewers and editing software.
  • Good quality: JPEG can produce good quality images when the quality factor is set to a high value.

Here are some of the drawbacks of using JPEG in computer graphics:

  • Lossy compression: JPEG is a lossy compression format, meaning that some data from the original image is discarded in order to reduce the file size. This can lead to visible artifacts in the compressed image, especially at lower quality settings.
  • Not suitable for all images: JPEG is not suitable for all types of images. For example, JPEG can produce poor results for images with sharp edges or fine details.
  • Not suitable for editing: JPEG is not a good format for images that will be edited. This is because the lossy compression can make it difficult to make changes to the image without introducing artifacts.

Overall, JPEG is a good choice for compressing images for use on the web and in other applications where file size is important. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of JPEG, such as lossy compression and not being suitable for all types of images.

Here are some additional tips for using JPEG in computer graphics:

  • Use a high quality factor: A higher quality factor will result in less compression and a larger file size, but it will also produce a better quality image.
  • Use JPEG for images with smooth gradients: JPEG is a good choice for images with smooth gradients, such as photos of landscapes or skies.
  • Use a different format for images with sharp edges or fine details: JPEG is not a good choice for images with sharp edges or fine details, such as photos of text or logos.

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