JPG vs JPEG vs JFIF: Are They Different?
You will see .jpg, .jpeg and .jfif on pictures. Here is what they mean and whether you need to care.
JPG and JPEG are the same thing
JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, the committee that created the format. Early versions of Windows only allowed three-letter extensions, so .jpeg was shortened to .jpg. Today both extensions are identical in every way, and you can rename one to the other safely.
What is JFIF?
JFIF (JPEG File Interchange Format) is the small wrapper that tells programs how to read the compressed image data, such as the resolution and color layout. Almost every JPEG picture in the world is a JFIF file inside. Some software saves them with a .jfif extension, which many programs and websites do not recognize.
What to do with a .jfif file
Rename it to .jpg, or convert it. Conversion is the easiest way when you have many files, and it also guarantees a standard file that every upload form accepts.
Which should you use?
Use .jpg. It is the most widely recognized extension. There is no difference in quality or size between .jpg and .jpeg.