What Is JPEG XL?
JPEG XL is the newest image format with the best compression and a clever lossless mode. Learn what it is and whether you should use it.
JPEG XL is the most capable new format, with top compression and a lossless mode that can recompress JPGs to be 20 to 30 percent smaller and reversible.
How it works
The short answer
JPEG XL, or JXL, is the newest image format. It compresses better than other formats and, unusually, has a lossless mode that can shrink an existing JPG by 20 to 30 percent while staying byte for byte reversible. It is a genuine upgrade path for the world JPG files.
What makes JXL special
JXL is designed as a modern replacement for JPG. It compresses photos more efficiently and supports advanced features, but its standout trick is lossless JPG recompression: the original JPG can be recovered exactly from the smaller JXL file.
How the lossless trick works
Most conversions lose data. JXL lossless mode is different: it stores the original JPG exactly, so converting back restores the identical file. This lets sites and archives shrink existing JPG collections without ever degrading them.
The compatibility caveat
JPEG XL support is still rolling out. It works in some modern browsers but not all, so treat it as a forward looking format and keep a fallback such as WebP for the web. Widespread support has been slower than AVIF.
When to use JXL
Use JXL when you want the smallest possible files and your audience can display it, or to archive JPGs more compactly without losing them. Otherwise, WebP is the safer web choice today, and AVIF is the compression leader.
Converting to and from JXL
You can convert JXL to PNG, JPG, WebP or AVIF, and convert those formats into JXL, all in your browser. Keep a widely compatible copy alongside when sharing, so recipients without JXL support can still open the image.
Format comparison
| Format | Compression | Transparency | Browser support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JXL.jxl | Lossy (discards some detail) | Yes | n/a | Next-generation web images with the best compression (Chrome, Edge, Opera) |
| WebP.webp | Lossy (discards some detail) | Yes | All modern browsers (2011+) | Web images that need both quality and small file size |
Frequently asked questions
What is JPEG XL?
JPEG XL is a modern image format with excellent compression and a lossless mode that can recompress JPGs while keeping them byte for byte reversible.
Is JPEG XL better than WebP?
JXL usually compresses a bit more and supports lossless JPG recompression, but WebP is supported in far more browsers today.
Is JPEG XL supported everywhere?
Not yet. Support is growing but incomplete, so pair JXL with a WebP or JPG fallback on the web.
Can JPEG XL restore my original JPG?
Yes. In lossless mode JXL stores the original JPG exactly, so converting back recovers the identical file with no quality loss.