JPG versus PDF for Document display

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).

Are you a Developer working with PDF files?

Our developers guide contains a large number of technical posts to help you understand the PDF file Format.

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