image/*
image/jpeg
File extensions: .jpg, .jpeg
Lossy raster format — the web default for photographs.
What is image/jpeg?
image/jpeg is the media type for JPEG images — the ubiquitous lossy format for photographs. Files can be dramatically smaller than PNG at good visual quality but do not support transparency.
Typical usage
Photographs, banner images, thumbnails, anything where file size matters more than pixel-perfect fidelity.
Common gotchas
JPEG uses lossy DCT compression — never re-save a JPEG multiple times, quality degrades with each save. Modern alternatives (WebP, AVIF) offer better compression at the same quality.
HTTP header example
Response header
Content-Type: image/jpegReference
RFC 2046
Frequently asked questions
What is the image/jpeg MIME type?
image/jpeg is the media type for JPEG images — the ubiquitous lossy format for photographs. Files can be dramatically smaller than PNG at good visual quality but do not support transparency.
What file extension does image/jpeg use?
Files served as image/jpeg typically use the extensions .jpg, .jpeg. The most common is .jpg.
How do I set the Content-Type for image/jpeg?
Send the HTTP response header Content-Type: image/jpeg. Photographs, banner images, thumbnails, anything where file size matters more than pixel-perfect fidelity.
Is image/jpeg an official MIME type?
Yes. image/jpeg is officially registered with IANA (RFC 2046), so standards-conformant clients recognize it.
What are common mistakes with image/jpeg?
JPEG uses lossy DCT compression — never re-save a JPEG multiple times, quality degrades with each save. Modern alternatives (WebP, AVIF) offer better compression at the same quality.