JP2 File Extension

What is JP2 file?

Files in the JP2 format are generated by the JPEG 2000 Core Coding software and are used in order to store compressed bitmap images. JP2 files are also known as JPX because they differ only regarding the name of the extension.

Differences between JP2 and JPEG files

The JPEG 2000 Core Coding software for creating JP2 files utilises an algorithm in a wavelet compression, while the JPEG files use a discrete cosine transform, which has certain limitations. The compression used in JP2 enables to store images with or without loss of quality, which is not possible in standard JPEG files in which every compression of the image decreases its quality. Another advantage of the JP2 format is smaller size of the final file on a similar conversion level.

Programs which support JP2 file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open JP2 files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with JP2 suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 11/13/2021

How to open file with JP2 extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening JP2 files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with JP2 extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with JP2 files.

Step 1. Get the Adobe Photoshop

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening JP2 files is that no program that can handle JP2 files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Adobe Photoshop or one to the listed programs: CorelDRAW, ACDSee, PaintShop Pro. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Adobe Photoshop installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Adobe Photoshop to the latest version

If the problems with opening JP2 files still occur even after installing Adobe Photoshop, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Photoshop is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Adobe Photoshop installed, it may not support JP2 format. The most recent version of Adobe Photoshop is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open JP2 files to Adobe Photoshop

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate JP2 files with latest version of Adobe Photoshop you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the JP2 file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Photoshop is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open JP2 files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the JP2 file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Adobe Photoshop and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with JP2 extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the JP2 for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the JP2 file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the JP2 in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the JP2 is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the JP2 file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the JP2 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic JP2 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the JP2 file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the JPEG 2000 Core Image Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Photoshop

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with JP2 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with JPEG 2000 Core Image Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle JP2 files.

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