As we produce software for handling both JPEG and PDF files, we are often asked about which is better for displaying documents. So here I will try and sum up each and help you to decide.
JPG file
- Is a single file with a public specification.
- Is bit-mapped so will blur if you zoom in.
- Cannot contain other content such as searchable text, links, video.
- Is viewable on a huge range of tools.
- Is very easy to alter its size, draw over, and manipulate.
- Content cannot be encrypted
PDF file
- Is a single file with a public specification.
- Can contain vector content but may just be a bit-map. Can include lots of other content such as text, links, video.
- Needs a PDF viewer to see. Most Operating Systems and browsers are able to do this now.
- Can be edited but needs care.
- Content and access can be set and contents encrypted.
In conclusion
PDF is a more complex and powerful file format which can have some additional benefits over just a JPEG image. In practice, JPEG is often enough for the job and many people use JPEG to display the contents of a PDF file (the most popular use for our Java PDF library is to convert PDF to Image).
Did you know...
IDRsolutions offers a whole range of online file converters to convert PDF and Microsoft Excel, Word and Office Documents to HTML5, SVG or image formats?
It is free to use for single file conversions and also includes Developer links if you want to use our commercial software for bulk conversions. Find out more on this page
