Compression

• Perhaps the most impressive feature of the JPEG file format is that images can be compressed to varying degrees. When an image is compressed, some of the image data is removed; yet, because of the complex math that JPEG encoding software uses, you can compress files significantly without noticing much or any difference in quality. On most digital cameras, you can set the level of compression. Similarly, when you save a file as a JPEG in a graphics program, you can choose the level of compression you want to use. As an image is compressed more and more, the file size decreases. This can be particularly beneficial for Web pages that need to load quickly or for sending images over a network.
  
  

Compatibility

• Browse any website and you'll likely find dozens of JPEG images. Web designers like to use JPEG files because they are quick to load, even on slower Internet connections. Additionally, JPEG files can be edited with almost any graphic editing software. Unlike proprietary image file types, JPEG files can be shared with the confidence that anyone can open the files without special software. If you need to send image samples to one of your clients, you may choose to send copies of your files as JPEGs.
  
  

Quality

• For the most part, JPEG images offer very good quality when they are only slightly compressed. The file types that produce the highest quality image tend to produce very large files since they contain so much data. This data may be useful for professionals, but most people will see little or no difference between JPEGs and other file formats when comparing the two side by side. When image size is more important than retaining the image details, the quality can be adjusted as necessary.
  
  

Rapid Disk Writing

• Because JPEG files tend to be relatively small in size, digital cameras can save them to memory cards very quickly. If you are taking portraits, you may not notice this; but if you are taking action shots or snapping several photos by holding down the shutter, write speed is critical. Using JPEG maximizes the photographer's ability to take many pictures in quick succession.