JPG vs PDF: When to Use Each Format
JPG is the most common photo format, while PDF is the standard for documents. Understanding when to use each helps you make better file format decisions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Raster image | Document format |
| Compression | Lossy | Various |
| Multi-page | No | Yes |
| Best for | Photos | Documents |
| File size | Small for photos | Varies |
JPG Pros
- +Small file sizes
- +Universal photo format
- +Wide compatibility
JPG Cons
- -Lossy compression
- -No transparency
- -No multi-page
PDF Pros
- +Multi-page support
- +Professional format
- +Print-ready
- +Searchable text
PDF Cons
- -Harder to edit
- -Can be large
- -Overkill for single images
When to Use JPG
Use JPG for photos, social media images, and web images where small file size matters.
When to Use PDF
Use PDF for documents, reports, multi-page content, and professional sharing.