What is JPEG XL and why is Google supporting it?

JPEG XL is an advanced image format offering better compression and features. Google has reinstated support in Chromium due to its benefits for web image quality and bandwidth efficiency.

How does JPEG XL compare to existing image formats like JPEG?

JPEG XL can recompress existing JPEGs losslessly, reducing file sizes by about 20%, and supports advanced features like high dynamic range and wide color gamuts.

Will I need extensions for JPEG XL in Chrome anymore?

No, with Chromium's native support, future Chrome versions will display JPEG XL images directly without needing additional plugins or extensions.

Home / Technology / JPEG XL Returns: Chrome Engine Gains Native Image Support

JPEG XL Returns: Chrome Engine Gains Native Image Support

20 Jan

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Summary

Chromium now natively supports JPEG XL images without extensions.
The format offers better compression, reducing file sizes by 20%.
Industry momentum grew, with Apple and Microsoft adding support.

JPEG XL Returns: Chrome Engine Gains Native Image Support

Google has reintroduced support for the JPEG XL image format into the open-source Chromium code base, undoing its 2022 decision to remove it. This integration allows Chromium-based browsers to natively recognize, decode, and render JPEG XL files without the need for extensions or external plugins, enhancing web performance and image quality.

The implementation utilizes jxl-rs, a Rust-based library, chosen for its memory safety benefits over traditional C++ decoders. While this adds approximately 406KiB to the binary size, developers consider this manageable. The decoder is enabled by default, ensuring broad availability to users and developers alike.

JPEG XL's resurgence follows persistent industry interest, with supporters highlighting its ability to recompress existing JPEGs losslessly while reducing file sizes by around 20%. Its capabilities extend to high dynamic range images and wide color gamuts. Google's renewed acceptance aligns with growing adoption by major platforms like Apple's Safari and Microsoft's Windows 11, signaling a unified industry direction for modern image delivery.