A JIFF file contains bitmap image data in JPEG format. This format is produced by most digital cameras and is the most widely used format for pictures on the Internet.
JIFF 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.
JIFF 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 drawings and rastered images, eg newspaper images. Here the losses due to the compression are immediately obvious. The file extension JIFF is the abbreviation for JPEG Interchange Format.
JIFF files can also contain so-called 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 jpeg, jpg, jif and jpe. If the extension of the file is not recognized directly, it can also be changed to one of the others.
Every current operating system today contains an image viewer that can display JPEG files. There is also a large number of free or commercial programs.
Most often resolving problems with opening JIFF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support JIFF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of JIFF 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 JIFF 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 JIFF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: