What is an MJPEG file?
MJPEG stands for ‘Motion JPEG’. This is a video file format that enables compression of each individual frame of a digital video, as a JPEG image.
It works with software including web browsers, media players and streaming services. It’s a low-resolution file, as it’s made up of individual JPEG images squeezed together to create the video clip.
This means its file size is relatively small, compared to other codec files, which compress and decompress video content before playback.
History of the MJPEG file.
The MJPEG file format helped early home computers run multimedia applications from CD-ROM. Early applications of MJPEG saw use in hardware by NeXT Computers.
However, it was Apple who made the jump to software, popularising the use of the MJPEG video format in their QuickTime Players in the 1990s.
How to use MJPEG files.
The MJPEG video file is used for video capture and in editing. With widespread support from most web browsers, plus Apple’s QuickTime Player and some older games consoles, the format is a must for streaming and media. It’s used for:
- Video cameras
- Webcams
- QuickTime Player (as well as the streaming service Apple TV)
- Older games consoles (used in pre-recorded video sequences in-game)
- Web browsers such as Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Pros and cons of MJPEG files.
Pros.
- Better image quality. MJPEG uses intraframe compression, which means it doesn’t store each individual pixel to save on space. This helps keep the quality of an MJPEG image without requiring larger file sizes. You can compress frames with large smooth changes or monotone surfaces and keep their original details, with minor visible discrepancies.
- Most widespread picture compression. Because the MJPEG file extension is based on popular pre-existing compression standards such as JPEG, you won’t struggle to find programs capable of compressing MJPEG.
- Lower latency. MJPEG works well with slower internet speeds, which is why it’s popular with a wide range of popular streaming services.
Cons.
- High bandwidth. As each frame is separate, if one frame drops, it doesn’t affect the overall video. However, to operate this fluidly means you’ll need a higher bandwidth.
- Low resolution. Because individual JPEG pictures make up MJPEG files, which are generally lower resolution than other image file types, it means the videos are of a lower picture quality too.
- No support for synchronized sound. In extreme cases, MJPEG files can suffer from lip-synching issues. This can look quite unprofessional if not resolved before publishing or uploading.
Find out which codec file types are supported by Adobe Premiere
How to open an MJPEG file.
Whether you can open a file depends on which program you use to play the MJPEG Video. Read on to find out how you can open these files on Windows and Mac.
Open MJPEG files on Windows.
- Locate the MJPEG file and double-click it.
- If the file doesn’t automatically open and you get an error message that says “Windows can’t open file,” find a compatible application to open it.
- If you already have an application that can play MJPEG files, open the application, then select “File” followed by “Open” (or “Open with”) then select the file in question.
Open MJPEG files on Mac.
- Locate the MJPEG file and double-click it.
- If the file doesn’t automatically open and you get an error message that says, “There is no application set to open the file,” find a compatible application to open it.
- If you already have an application that can play MJPEG files, select the “Choose application” option in the error box to open the file.
How to create and edit an MJPEG file.
You’ll need a third-party converter, to open the file in Adobe Premiere. When choosing a one to use, you should use a reputable and secure converter, to avoid file corruption.
Once you have converted to a compatible file extension, you can simply create a new project in Premiere and begin editing your file from there.
Questions? We have answers.
No. While the JPEG is just one picture, the MJPEG is a ‘collective’ of still frames of JPEG, joined together to create a video motion sequence.
The compression from MJPEG video is of high quality, especially when compared to examples such as MPEG4. The MJPEG produces higher quality video due to the better compression.
Yes, in fact it is probably the one that is most suitable for the job, with many digital cameras automatically saving the recordings in the MJPEG format.
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Xvid.
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WMV.
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MPEG-2.
Learn more about MPEG-2, a standard for the generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information.
AVC.
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