JPG File Extension

JPEG Image

File Type jpg
Developer Joint Photographic Experts Group
Popularity
4.6 (37 votes)
Application Adobe Photoshop
Category Raster Image Files
Format Binary

What is a JPG file?

JPEG Image, identified by the JPG extension, is a Raster Image Files type and includes 575 files.

JPG files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS as well as mobile platforms such as Apple iOS and Android. When working with JPG files, you can rely on 71 programs, including XnView, Adobe Lightroom and Gwenview.

MIME types

image/jpeg
application/x-jpg
application/jpg
image/jpg

File Signature

HEX code: FF D8 FF E0 00 10 4A 46 49 46. ASCII code: ÿØÿà..JF IF..

Linux

Android

Flipagram

Apple iOS

Online Services

How to open a JPG file?

If you can’t open a JPG file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.

XnView, Adobe Lightroom and Gwenview are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with JPG files. To set up the newest version of Adobe Photoshop on your device, simply go to the official Adobe website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.

Once installed, Adobe Photoshop will be set as the default program, and JPG files will open automatically.

Set Adobe Photoshop as your default JPG viewer

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

Right-click on your JPG file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Adobe Photoshop as your desired application;
Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening JPG files.

Set default app to open files on Mac

Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired JPG file to open a menu of available actions;
Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

How to edit a JPG file?

Editing JPG files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit raster image files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated JPEG Image programs.

List of Top JPG editors 2026

Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of JPG editors that may suit your needs.

JPG Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Adobe Photoshop	Adobe	Windows, Mac OS	4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews)
Ability Photopaint	Ability Plus	Windows	4.8 out of 5 (41 review)
PaintShop Pro	Corel	Windows	4.6 out of 5 (41 review)
SketchBook	Autodesk	Windows, Mac OS	4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews)
Hydra	Creaceed	Mac OS	4.4 out of 5 (36 reviews)
Paint X Lite	Hong Chen	Mac OS	4.4 out of 5 (41 review)
GIMP	The GIMP Team	Windows, Linux, Mac OS	4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews)
HDR Darkroom	Everimaging	Windows	4.2 out of 5 (41 review)
Affinity Photo	Serif Europe	Windows, Mac OS	4.1 out of 5 (41 review)
Picture Information Extractor	Picmeta Systems	Windows	4.1 out of 5 (40 reviews)

Convert to and from JPG

If you struggle with a JPG file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as DXF, AVI, DWG, GIF, PNG or other similar file types.

Converting a JPG file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.

Offline software like XnView, Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop allows you to convert JPG files to other formats while maintaining quality.

Convert JPG to other file formats

Converting Files to JPG Format

Solving Common JPG File Challenges

Certain problems with JPG files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.

What are the steps to repair a damaged JPG file?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged JPG file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged raster image files.

What are the warning signs that my JPG file may be corrupted?

Corrupted JPG raster image files may show the following signs:

Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
Editing the archive in Adobe Photoshop is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
Unexpected expansion of the total size of the JPG file;
Opening or processing the file in Adobe Photoshop or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;

What are the reasons behind Adobe Photoshop crash?

Adobe Photoshop crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Adobe products up to date by installing the latest updates.

A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.