How to use it
- Drop in .jxl files.
- They are decoded natively or with the WebAssembly decoder.
- Download the PNGs.
Why PNG for JXL
JPEG XL is often used precisely because it keeps quality so well, including a true lossless mode. Converting to PNG keeps that quality intact in a format every editor opens. It is also the right choice when the JXL has transparency, which JPG cannot store.
Size expectations
JPEG XL is extremely efficient. A lossless JXL can be 20 to 30 percent smaller than the equivalent PNG, and a lossy one far smaller still, so the PNG will usually be larger than the file you started with. That is the price of compatibility.
Bit depth
JPEG XL can store high bit depths and HDR. Browsers decode to 8 bits per channel, so the PNG is 8-bit. For normal viewing and editing that is fine.
JPEG XL and PNG compared
| JPEG XL | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| First released | 2022 | 1996 |
| Compression | Lossy or lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes, including soft edges |
| Animation or pages | Animation | Only as APNG, rarely used |
| Best for | High-quality photos and archiving | Screenshots, graphics, text and transparency |
| Support | Safari 17+; arriving in other browsers; patchy in apps | Universal |
Questions people ask
Is JXL to PNG lossless?
Yes for 8-bit images. Higher bit depths are reduced to 8 bits per channel.
Why is the PNG bigger than the JXL?
JPEG XL compresses better than PNG, even in lossless mode.
Is transparency kept?
Yes.