JPEG Compression Artifact
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Published on September 2, 2025
What is a JPEG Compression Artifact?
A JPEG compression artifact is a visual imperfection or anomaly that appears in a JPEG image due to the lossy compression algorithm used to reduce file size. These artifacts manifest in various ways, including blocking, blurring, color banding, and ringing. They are essentially visual side effects of the compression process, where data is discarded to reduce the image’s file size. The context usually involves digital image processing, photography, and graphic design. Examples include a noticeable ‘blocky’ appearance in an image, unnatural color transitions, or a halo-like effect around sharp edges.
Q&A
How can I reduce JPEG compression artifacts?
To minimize artifacts, use a lower compression ratio (higher quality setting) when saving your JPEG images. This preserves more image data but results in a larger file size. Alternatively, using a different image format like PNG (lossless) for images with sharp lines and text will avoid compression artifacts altogether.
Are all JPEG artifacts bad?
Not necessarily. Minor artifacts may be imperceptible, especially in images with high visual complexity. However, severe artifacts significantly reduce image quality and can be distracting.
Why do JPEG artifacts occur?
JPEG compression works by discarding less important image data. This process, while effective for reducing file size, can cause the visual imperfections known as artifacts. The extent of artifacting depends on the complexity of the image and the level of compression used.
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