Degradation of JPEG Files

[Erik Bloodaxe]

It is well documented that editing JPEG files and then saving again causes image degradation.

What about frequently amending keywords in Bridge (without image editing) i.e. making just metadata changes?

Does this cause similar issues?

[Stephen Marsh · Accepted solution]

Metadata is independent of image data.

If one is simply editing metadata via Bridge’s File Info or Metadata panel, then all is good as only the metadata is changed.

If one is opening up the JPEG in Photoshop and then adjusting metadata, then saving, then the lossy compressed image data is being decompressed/recompressed.

[Erik Bloodaxe]

Thank you for your response.

You have put my mind at rest!