Converting a JPEG photo to a PDF image

[larrycruzen]

I read that converting a JPEG photo file to a PDF file creates a vector image which can be scaled without becoming pixelated. I tried this with a low-res photo and it became just as pixelated is the original.

Since I read this on the Internet, I know it has to be true. What am I missing?

Larry Cruzen

 

[ardchoille]

I read that converting a JPEG photo file to a PDF file creates a vector image which can be scaled without becoming pixelated. I tried this with a low-res photo and it became just as pixelated is the original.

Since I read this on the Internet, I know it has to be true. What am I missing?

Larry Cruzen

I've worked in graphic design for over a decade and just don't see how it's possible to do what you've stated. JPEG is a lossy format, converting it to a vector file is going to produce pixelation on scaling.. it's unavoidable due to starting with a JPEG file. If you want to scale without pixelation you'll have to start with a vector image instead of a JPEG. This is one of the reasons I steer clear of the JPEG standard.

 

[twerppoet]

It's simply not true. When you convert a JPG to PDF, all you are doing is packaging the JPG image in a PDF wrapper.

There is no reason to do this unless you are including a combination of images and text, or you want to annotate the image. Otherwise it just adds bulk to an already standard formatted image.

It's not possible to take a bitmapped image and convert it to a vector image without some kind of conversion app. It rarely works on anything but simple images, and not very well then.

 

[larrycruzen]

Well, I read it on the Internet. They couldn't put something on there that wasn't true, could they?...........grins!

Larry Cruzen

 

[giradman]

Well, I read it on the Internet. They couldn't put something on there that wasn't true, could they?...........grins!

LOL! Larry - I'm a big fan of Snopes - wife goes there all the time to counteract what she reads on her FB page (seems to be a common site for these false stories) - the one below gave me a chuckle (now one of the top 25 on the website) - Dave
.

 

[larrycruzen]

I know that can't be true.......I'm not losing weight.

Larry Cruzen

 

[giradman]

I know that can't be true.......I'm not losing weight.

Larry Cruzen

Well, as a retired GI radiologist, I believe that you speak the truth! Dave