A JFIF file contains bitmap image data in JPEG format. The extension is derived from JPEG File Interchange Format, which is a minimum standard for JPEG files.
Images in JPEG format are produced by most digital cameras and it is the most widely used format for images on the Internet. Jfif files are much smaller than comparable image formats. This is achieved through the use of lossy compression. As the compression rate increases, these losses become visible and are noticeable by image noise and blocks in the image. With low compression, also referred to as high quality, these losses are barely noticeable despite the significantly smaller file size.
JFIF files can not contain transparency information. They are also not suitable for further image processing, since the losses of image information when repeatedly storing an image add up. This means that even when using a quality of 100% and thus the least compression, the noise in the image increases with each saving.
The JPEG format is not suitable for line art and rasterized images, such as newspaper images. Here the losses due to the compression are immediately obvious.
JFIF files can also contain metadata. These are usually stored by digital cameras. You can include a lot of information about the picture. From the camera's data, exposure time and aperture, to the GPS location information of the location where the photo was taken.
JPEG data is also included in files ending in jpg, jpe, jif and jpeg. If the extension of the file is not recognized directly, it can also be changed to one of the others.
Each current operating system today includes a picture viewer that can display JFIF files. But there are also a large number of free or en programs.
Most often resolving problems with opening JFIF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support JFIF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of JFIF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate JFIF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Apple Preview applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Apple Preview has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening JFIF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: