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Updated: March 06, 2025

.JP2 File Extension

There is only one filetype that uses .JP2 file extension and it is JPEG 2000.

JPEG 2000

File category: Raster Image Files
Developer: Joint Photographic Experts Group
Open with: GIMP (+9 more)
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS

A JP2 file is an image saved in the JPEG 2000 format. It uses advanced wavelet compression, which can be either lossless (keeping all image data) or lossy (reducing file size with some quality loss). JP2 files often store digital photographs, medical images (like MRI and CT scans), and other high-quality visuals. The JP2 abbreviation stands for JPEG 2000 Part 1, referring to the core coding system.

The JPEG 2000 standard, including the JP2 format, was introduced in 2000 by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG). It was designed to improve upon the original JPEG format, which had been released in 1992. This new format offered better image quality at lower file sizes and included advanced features like scalability and support for different resolutions.

JP2 files are used in various fields requiring high-quality images. Medical professionals use them to store and share diagnostic images, while photographers use JP2 to preserve image details with minimal loss. JP2 is also used in digital cinema, satellite imagery, and surveillance systems due to its ability to handle large, detailed visuals efficiently.

What Makes JP2 Different From JPEG?

The key difference between JP2 and standard JPEG files lies in the compression method. JP2 uses wavelet-based compression, which produces fewer visible artifacts and supports higher quality images. In contrast, JPEG relies on Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) compression, which can create blocky or blurry areas in compressed images. JP2 also allows for better scalability, meaning the same file can be viewed at different resolutions without needing multiple copies.

JP2 files are also known for their impressive color depth and can store up to 16,384 different components, allowing for extremely high resolutions. Despite its many advantages, JP2 requires more computational power than JPEG, making it less widely adopted in everyday applications. Many web browsers, for example, still don't natively support JP2 files.

How to Open .JP2 as JPEG 2000

Many popular image viewers and editors support JP2 files. Programs that can open JP2 files include:

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • GIMP
  • Apple Preview (on macOS)
  • IrfanView

If you cannot open a JP2 file, you can try changing its extension to .JPX, .JPC, or .JPF, as these are alternative formats under the JPEG 2000 standard.

How to Convert an JP2 File

JP2 files can be converted into other image formats using image editors or dedicated conversion software. For instance, Apple Preview can export JP2 files to formats such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and PDF. This can be useful if you need to share images with others who may not have software that supports the JP2 format.

Applications That Open JP2 Files

Windows Apps for JP2 Files:

macOS Apps for JP2 Files:

Linux Apps for JP2 Files:

iOS Apps for JP2 Files:

iPadOS Apps for JP2 Files:

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