JPEG is a popular image file format, mainly known for its ability to compress image data without affecting the image quality. However, like any digital file, JPEG images can be corrupted or become inaccessible on your device. Corruption can result due to many reasons such as file transfer errors, software malfunctions, hardware failures, or other issues.
Whatever is the cause for your JPEG file corruption, the good news is that there are several JPEG file repair methods available online that you can try to repair corrupt or damaged JPEG photos. In this article, we will explore some common reasons for JPEG corruption and popularly used methods to help you learn how to repair a corrupt JPEG photo effectively.
Common Reasons for JPEG Corruption
Before you apply any JPEG repair methods to fix corrupted JPEG files, it is important to understand the exact cause of such corruption. Here are some main reasons why JPEG files get corrupted:
- Incomplete File Transfers: Interruption during the transfer of files from one device to another can lead to incomplete or corrupted files.
- Faulty Storage Devices: Using defective storage devices like SD cards, USB drives, or hard drives can result in file corruption.
- Software Glitches: Errors in image editing or viewing software can also lead to corruption or even deletion of image files.
- Power Failures: Unexpected shutdowns or power surges while saving or transferring files can cause corruption.
- Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious software, like viruses or malware, can infect your device and corrupt the files stored on your device.
Symptoms of JPEG Corruption
Below are some common indications which signify that your image file is corrupted:
- Unable to Open: The image file won’t open with any image viewer or editor.
- Distorted Images: The image opens but appears distorted, with missing or misplaced pixels, strange colors, or lines.
- Error Messages: You may get error messages like “Invalid JPEG format” or “File not supported” on your screen while opening the image files.
How do I Repair Corrupt or Damaged JPEG Files?
In this part of the blog, we’ll discuss some manual methods as well as JPEG repair software that you can try to repair corrupt JPEG photos:
Method 01: Use Photo Repair Software
If you are looking for an easy and quick approach to repairing corrupted JPEG pictures, then photo repair software like Stellar Repair for Photo will definitely be the best choice. This all-in-one photo repairing tool supports repairing your photos corrupted or damaged due to multiple reasons, including pixelation, artefacts, blurriness, colour distortion, etc.
Key Features of Stellar Repair for Photo Tool:
- Supports repairing corrupt JPEG/JPG and other photo formats.
- Supports RAW file formats of popular camera brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and many more.
- Can repair your corrupt photos saved on any internal/external storage device including camera memory cards, HDDs, SSDs, etc.
- 100% safe and secure town to download and use.
- Offers ‘Advanced Repair’ option to repair severely corrupt JPEG/JPG images by using ‘sample file’.
- Provides a simple and user-friendly interface so even beginners can easily repair corrupt photos.
Here’s how to repair a corrupt JPEG photo using the Stellar Repair for Photo tool:
Step 1: Download and install the Stellar Repair for Photo software on your Windows/Mac device. Launch the software and from the homepage, click the Add File button to upload the corrupt images that you need to repair.
Step 2: Wait until the repair is complete, then you can preview the repaired JPG/JPEG files.
Step 3: Preview the repaired photos and click the Save Repaired Files button to save them at the desired location.
Method 02: Repair Corrupt JPEG Photos Using Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a popular image editing software which comes with several in-built options to repair corrupted JPEG photos. Follow the below JPEG repair steps to fix your image using Adobe Photoshop:
- Firstly, open your corrupt JPEG photo in Photoshop.
- When the file opens, immediately save it as a new file. This sometimes helps in resolving minor corruption issues.
- Use Photoshop’s tools like the Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Spot Healing Brush to manually fix visual distortions.
Method 03: Rename the JPEG File
Renaming a corrupt JPEG photo can sometimes resolve issues which mainly occur due to minor corruption, especially if the problem lies in the file extension or file name itself. Below are the simple steps to repair a corrupt JPEG photo by renaming it:
- Locate the JPEG photo that you need to rename.
- Right-click on that photo and select Rename.
- Modify the file name slightly. For example, if the original file name is image.jpg, change it to image1.jpg.
- Confirm the rename by pressing Enter.
Method 04: Change Image File Format
You can also change the file format of your JPEG photo to a different format in order to repair it. This method can often bypass minor corruption issues. All you have to do is:
- Right-click on the corrupt JPEG photo and select Open with.
- Click on Paint (Windows), Preview (Mac) or any other image editing software installed on your device.
- Once the file opens, go to the File menu and select Save As or Export option.
- In the Save As or Export dialogue box, select a different file format from the dropdown menu.
- Lastly, click Save or Export to save the photo in the new format.
Method 05: Restore from Backup
If the above-mentioned JPEG repair methods fail to fix your corrupted JPEG photos, you can try restoring them from the previously created backups. That’s why it is always important to keep regular backups of important files to prevent data loss. You can check either cloud backup options such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc. or any local backup like an External hard drive or any other storage medium to restore original JPEG photos.
Conclusion
Repairing corrupted JPEG photos can be a challenging task, but with the above-mentioned tools and methods, you must be familiar with how to repair a corrupted JPEG photo easily. Whether you choose to use professional JPEG repair software or manual methods, always remember to keep regular backups and follow preventive measures to minimize the risk of future corruption. By understanding the causes and symptoms of JPEG corruption, you can better protect your memorable photos and ensure their longevity.
