diff --git a/itermplot/__init__.py b/itermplot/__init__.py
index 10ab489..3460d34 100644
--- a/itermplot/__init__.py
+++ b/itermplot/__init__.py
@@ -262,7 +262,8 @@ def show(self):
         if not loops or self.canvas.timer is None:
             self.canvas.print_figure(data, facecolor='none',
                                      edgecolor='none',
-                                     transparent=True)
+                                     transparent=True,
+                                     format='jpg')
         else:
             outfile = OUTFILE
             data = self.animate(loops, outfile)