.JB2 File Extension
JBIG2 Image
| Developer | Joint Bi-level Image Group |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Raster Image Files |
| Format | .JB2 |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an JB2 file?
The JB2 file extension is associated with JBIG2, which stands for Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group.
This file format is primarily used for encoding bi-level (black and white) images and is known for its efficient compression capabilities, making it suitable for documents and images with sharp edges and text.
More Information.
Initially standardized in 2000 by the ISO/IEC JTC 1, JBIG2 was designed to address limitations found in earlier bi-level image compression methods.
Its primary purpose was to provide superior compression rates while maintaining high-quality rendering of text and line art, essential for applications such as fax transmission, document archiving, and digital preservation.
Origin Of This File.
JBIG2 was developed by the Joint Bi-level Image Experts Group, formally known as the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee 1 (ISO/IEC JTC 1), which specializes in standardizing image compression techniques.
The development of JBIG2 began in the late 1990s as an improvement over its predecessor, JBIG (ITU T.82), aiming to enhance compression efficiency and support more advanced features.
File Structure Technical Specification.
JBIG2 files employ a hierarchical coding method, allowing for both lossless and lossy compression.
The technical specifications define a set of encoding techniques tailored for different types of data within bi-level images, optimizing the compression ratio by identifying and encoding patterns efficiently. Key components include:
- Symbol Coding: Utilizes arithmetic coding to compress image data.
- Dictionary Coding: Stores frequently occurring patterns in dictionaries for efficient encoding.
- MMR (Modified Modified READ) Encoding: Offers a method to encode multi-page documents efficiently.
The structure includes headers specifying segmentation, resolution, and other metadata essential for decoding and rendering the image accurately.
How to Convert the File?
Converting JB2 files may be necessary to facilitate compatibility with various applications or to utilize them in different contexts. Several methods are available:
- Conversion Tools: Dedicated software like Adobe Acrobat or online converters can convert JB2 files to more widely supported formats like PDF or TIFF.
- Printing to PDF: Printing a document containing JB2 images to PDF format effectively converts it while maintaining quality.
- Document Management Systems: Some enterprise-level document management systems support JB2 files and offer conversion capabilities within their platforms.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- High Compression Efficiency: JBIG2 excels in compressing bi-level images, achieving significant reductions in file size without compromising quality.
- Support for Mixed Raster Content: Allows for the efficient handling of documents containing both images and text, preserving clarity and sharpness.
- Flexible Compression Options: Offers both lossless and lossy compression modes, catering to different requirements of image quality versus file size.
Disadvantages:
- Complexity in Encoding: Implementing the encoding and decoding algorithms can be complex, requiring specialized software and expertise.
- Limited Support: While widely recognized in document imaging applications, broader support in consumer-level software and web browsers may be limited compared to more mainstream image formats.
How to Open JB2?
Open In Windows
- Adobe Acrobat: Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro can open .JB2 files directly.
- XnView: A free image viewer that supports a wide range of formats, including .JB2.
Open In Linux
- Evince: The default document viewer for many Linux distributions supports .JB2 files.
- Adobe Acrobat: Adobe provides a version of Acrobat Reader for Linux, which can open .JB2 files.
Open In MAC
- Preview: MacOS’s built-in image viewer can open .JB2 files if the QuickTime JBIG2 Component is installed.
- Adobe Acrobat: Similar to Windows, Adobe Acrobat Reader or Adobe Acrobat Pro can handle .JB2 files.
