JPEG XL: The incredible successor of JPEG

The JPEG image format (.jpg or .jpeg) has been, for decades, the undisputed standard for the digital representation of images, especially in InternetIts lossy compression capability provided a effective solution in an era where the space of storage and bandwidth were very limited. However, There It does not go in vain, and the limitations of JPEG have led to the emergence of new formats such as JPEG XL (.jxl), a revolutionary proposal that promises to be its worthy successor and surpass current formats in multiple aspects.

JPEG XL not only seeks to improve image quality and further reduce file sizes, but also adds advanced features such as High bit depth image support, animations, lossless compression and more. In this article we will explore everything related to this innovative format, its main features, the reasons behind its development and its potential to become the new global standard.

What is JPEG XL and why is it important?

JPEG XL, whose development officially began in August 2017 by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) committee, is an image format designed to become the next-generation standard. The “L” in its name stands for “long-term,” emphasizing the format’s intention to be a durable solution to replace older formats such as JPEG, PNG and GIF.

Among its main objectives is to offer a considerably better compression efficiency, reaching up to 60% more than the current JPEG format, without compromising the visual quality of the images. This makes JPEG XL an ideal alternative for both internet browsing and image storage. electronics devices.

In addition, JPEG XL excels at compatibility with ultra-high resolution images (up to 1 terapixel), animations, different bit depths and a wide range of colours. This opens up a range of possibilities in areas such as virtual reality, digital printing and advanced image editing.

Key advantages of the JPEG XL format

The JPEG XL format features a number of and advantages which significantly differentiate it from its predecessors and competitors:

• High efficiency compression: JPEG XL offers both lossy and lossless compression, dramatically reducing image size with exceptional visual quality.
• Legacy JPEG Support: Allows lossless recompression of existing JPEG files, saving up to 20% of the size without altering the original quality.
• Support for complex, high-resolution images: Supports up to 32-bit per component and resolutions up to 1 terapixel, ideal for professional or scientific applications.
• Progressive encoding and easy editing: Includes tools that enable progressive decoding and support for multiple image layers, facilitating advanced editing.

How does JPEG XL compare to other current formats?

Compared to other formats such as AVIF, WebP and JPEG 2000, JPEG XL stands out on multiple fronts:

For example, AVIF, backed by tech giants like Google and Mozilla, also seeks to replace JPEG through efficient compression. However, the JPEG XL format outperforms AVIF in terms of HDR color support and bit depth.

As for WebP, which was also created by Google, this format introduced interesting advances such as transparency and animationsHowever, JPEG XL offers greater flexibility by including options for legacy JPEG support and advanced editing tools.

JPEG 2000, an older format, failed to gain mass adoption due to patent issues and lack of support from browsers and devices. In contrast, JPEG XL is completely royalty-free, making it the best bet for the future.

Adoption and implementation challenges

Despite its innovative features, JPEG XL adoption is not without its challenges. In 2022, Google decided not to include support for this format in Chrome, citing lack of public interest as one of the reasons. main reasonsThis was a significant setback, as Chrome is the Web navigator most used in the world.

However, other key players have shown their support for the format. Apple's Safari browser added support for JPEG XL in 2023, which was a major step towards its acceptance. Firefox, meanwhile, offers experimental support, although it has not yet implemented it in its stable version.

The success of JPEG XL will largely depend on its acceptance by consumers. software developers, device manufacturers and, above all, web browsers. In the meantime, the potential of the format remains promising, especially in sectors such as graphic design, professional editing and high-quality photography.

The development of JPEG XL is a long-term commitment that seeks to overcome the limitations of current formats and provide sustainable solutions for the needs of the digital age. From more efficient compression to advanced editing features, this format has the potential to transform the way we manage and share images at a global level.