Open J2K files

  • Full name
    JPEG2000 Code Stream Image
  • Developer
    Joint Photographic Experts Group
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a J2K file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a J2K file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your J2K file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is J2K file?

A J2K file contains bitmap image data in JPEG 2000 format. However, it only contains the code stream, ie the data stream that contains the pure image data.

More info

JPEG 2000 describes both a compression method and thus a codestream (data stream) as well as a file format. While the data stream is sufficient to decode the image, the file format includes additional information such as metadata.

JPEG 2000 is a digital image compression technique that provides both lossless and lossy compression. It has some advantages over JPEG. Image quality is better at high compression rates and some limitations no longer exist. Eg image size, color depths or support for alpha channels (for transparency). However, this is offset by the licensing-related situation and a significantly higher demand for computing power.

The pure data stream (codestream) is not intended to be stored in files, so no uniform extension is required. The endings jpc, j2c and J2K are common.

There are different versions of the JPEG2000 standard, not every program supports them all. Different programs also need a plugin to handle J2K files.

Programs which can open a J2K file

How to open file with J2K extension?

In order to open a file with J2K extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening J2K file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with J2K files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install GraphicConverter or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening J2K files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support J2K files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of J2K files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set GraphicConverter as the default program for opening J2K files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate J2K files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the GraphicConverter applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where GraphicConverter has been installed.

2
3
Check the section that lists most common problems with J2K files

Sometimes problems with opening J2K files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • J2K files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open J2K files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • J2K file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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