JPEG XL – The Next Dominant Image Format?

For decades, JPEG (jpg) has been the default format for digital images. From smartphone photography to websites and social media, its universal compatibility has made it one of the most successful file formats ever created. However, as image quality expectations rise and digital storage and bandwidth become increasingly important, a new contender is emerging: JPEG XL (.jxl), developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) committee. With advanced compression, support for modern imaging technologies, and the ability to preserve existing JPEG images without loss, JPEG XL could become the next dominant image format.

Better Compression Without Sacrificing Quality

One of JPEG XL’s greatest strengths is its ability to deliver high image quality at smaller file sizes. Traditional JPEG compression is based on technology developed decades ago. JPEG XL uses modern compression techniques that can reduce file sizes (typically 30% – 50% compared to JPEG) while maintaining visual detail.

For websites, this means faster loading times, reduced bandwidth consumption, and lower hosting costs. For photographers and everyday users, it could mean storing more images without sacrificing quality.

Feature Rich

JPEG XL is not simply a replacement for traditional JPEG compression. It supports high dynamic range (HDR), lossy and lossless modes, wide color gamuts up to 32 bits per channel, progressive decoding, transparency, animation, and high bit-depth images. These capabilities make it suitable for everything from everyday photographs to professional photography and advanced digital workflows.

Another feature is lossless JPEG recompression, which shrinks existing JPEG files by approximately 20% without quality loss. Existing JPEG images can be converted into JPEG XL while preserving the original JPEG data, allowing them to be reconstructed exactly. This offers a migration path for image libraries without requiring users to abandon their existing collections.

Support Is Improving

JPEG XL’s biggest obstacle is not its technology but its adoption. An image format can offer excellent compression and image quality, yet struggle if browsers, operating systems, editing applications, and online platforms do not support it.

Recent Chrome (October 6) and Firefox (October 13)  browser support should encourage website developers and content delivery networks to adopt JPEG XL, while improved support in photography software should attract professional users.

Browser Support

Recently, major browsers have added support for JPEG XL. As of this writing, Microsoft Edge is the exception.

Operating System Support

Most operating systems support JPEG XL, although Windows 11 currently requires installing Microsoft’s JPEG XL Image Extension from the Microsoft Store. 

Bottom Line

JPEG XL has many of the ingredients needed to become a major image format: efficient compression, excellent image quality, advanced color capabilities, and a practical way to preserve legacy JPEG images. As adoption continues to expand, it could replace traditional JPEG in many applications.

Its future is not guaranteed, but JPEG XL represents a promising format for digital imaging: smaller files, richer images, and fewer compromises between quality, compatibility, and storage efficiency. Plus, coming from the JPEG committee gives JPEG XL credibility that other formats lack.

Do you agree that JPEG XL will become the next dominant image format? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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