Key takeaways
- PDF is the standard for documents: multiple pages, exact print size, searchable text.
- JPG is an image format: one picture per file, ideal for photos and quick sharing.
- Most forms and offices expect PDF for documents.
- You can convert either way in seconds.
You've scanned a document. Save as PDF or JPG? The answer depends on what happens next.
The short answer
- Documents (letters, contracts, forms, receipts) → PDF
- Photos and single images (a photo of a product, a quick screenshot) → JPG
Comparison
| JPG | ||
|---|---|---|
| Multiple pages in one file | Yes | No |
| Exact page size for printing | Yes | No |
| Searchable text (OCR) | Yes | No |
| Password protection | Yes | No |
| Opens everywhere | Yes | Yes |
| Best for photos | OK | Best |
| Editing in image apps | Limited | Easy |
Why documents belong in PDF
- One file, many pages. A 10-page contract stays together.
- Prints correctly. A PDF knows it's an A4 or Letter page.
- Searchable. With OCR, you can find any word.
- Professional. Offices, courts and portals expect PDF.
- Protectable. Add a password or redactions.
When JPG makes sense
- Posting on social media
- Sending a quick photo in a chat
- A portal explicitly asks for an image
- Inserting into a presentation
Converting between them
- Images → PDF: JPG to PDF, or Scan to PDF for photos of paper.
- PDF → images: PDF to JPG.
Choose PDF by default for anything that's a document, and keep JPG for pictures.
Frequently asked questions
Can a PDF contain images?
Yes. A scanned PDF is essentially images inside a PDF, plus page size information and optionally searchable text.
Which is smaller?
For a single page, they can be similar. For multi-page documents, one compressed PDF is usually more convenient and often smaller than many JPGs.
What should I send to a government portal?
Usually PDF. Follow the portal's instructions; some ask for JPG photos (e.g. a passport photo).
Can I search a JPG?
Not directly. Convert it to a searchable PDF with OCR.