JPG Versus PDF: Which Format Should You Use?

Updated July 27, 2026 · By LocallyPDF

Use JPG for a single photographic image when small size and broad image compatibility matter. JPG uses lossy compression, so repeated editing or conversion can soften text and fine edges.

Use PDF when page order, printing dimensions, multiple pages, selectable text, forms, or a document-like reading experience matter. A PDF can contain compressed images while preserving a predictable page structure.

For scanned paperwork, combining images into one PDF is usually easier to submit and archive than sending separate JPG files. Keep the original photos when future image editing or higher-resolution output may be needed.

Converting JPG to PDF does not restore detail already discarded by JPEG compression. Select sensible page dimensions and orientation, then inspect the result before deleting source images.