Why can't save images in JPEG format?

[maximmulholland]

I'm not sure the reason for this, as when I first purchased my macbook about a year ago, and indeed up until about 4 months ago, if ever I wanted to save an image from the web onto my desktop I could simply either drag the image over, or right click and save. However, now when I try and do the latter the image is saved as a "plain text document"? The thumbnail also looks like a plain text document, yet if I open it with Preview it displays the image. I'm still rather new to macs and I'm sure it's something very simple, but if somebody could offer to advice on how to fix this I'd be most appreciative. Please remember I'm not that tech savvy, so explanation in layman's terms please.

Cheers in advance.

 

[miles01110]

When you drag the image to the desktop, does the resulting icon have an extension on it? You might have somehow set jpgs to open in a text editor by default.

If the file has an extension, highlight the file and pres Command + I (or right click and "Get Info"). Down where it says "Open With" choose "Preview" from the drop-down menu. You can also click "Change All" so all jpgs will open in Preview automatically.

If this isn't the problem, then I have no idea. When I drag images from the web to my desktop, they're saved as whatever file format they are originally.

 

[Fishrrman]

RE: Why can't save images in JPEG format?

Something very simple to try. This may work for you, or it may not, but try it anyway.

OK, suppose you have just saved a graphic to the desktop that's _supposed to be_ a jpeg file, but it has the name (for example) "image.txt".

Just click ONE time on it in the Finder to select it. Now, hit the "enter" key to highlight the file's name and make it "editable". Backspace over the "txt", and rename the file to "image.jpg".

Try double-clicking on it now and see what happens.

- John