ISO IEC 15444-1-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — JPEG 2000 image coding system — Part 1: Core coding system. Defines the core codestream, file format and the decoding/encoding processes for lossless and lossy compression of digital still images, including bi-level, greyscale, palettized colour and continuous-tone colour images.

Abstract

This International Standard specifies the JPEG 2000 core coding system: codestream syntax, decoding processes to reconstruct images, an associated file format, and guidance for encoding and implementation. It supports both lossless (bit-preserving) and lossy compression methods for a wide range of still-image types.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 1 November 2024 (ISO edition entry: 2024-11)
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) / International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) (joint ITU/ISO common text with ITU‑T T.800)
• ICS / categories: 35.040.30 (Coding of graphical and photographical information)
• Edition / version: Edition 5 (ISO/IEC 15444-1:2024)
• Number of pages: 226

Bibliographic and status information as recorded in the ISO entry for ISO/IEC 15444-1:2024.

Scope

The standard defines the core JPEG 2000 codestream and file format and specifies decoding procedures to reconstruct images from compressed data. It provides normative rules for the codestream syntax and guidance for encoding processes so that compliant encoders and decoders can interoperate. The scope covers both lossless and lossy compression of bi-level, greyscale, palettized and continuous-tone colour still images.

Key topics and requirements

• Codestream syntax and structure required for compliant JPEG 2000 core codestreams.
• Decoding processes and reconstruction rules for codestream interpretation.
• Specification of an associated file format for storage and interchange of JPEG 2000 data.
• Support for both lossless (bit‑preserving) and lossy compression modes.
• Guidance and normative constraints for encoding practices to ensure interoperability.
• Compatibility / common text with ITU‑T Rec. T.800 (ensures alignment between ISO/IEC and ITU versions).

Typical use and users

Implementers of image compression and imaging software (codec and library developers), manufacturers of digital cameras and imaging devices, digital preservation practitioners and archives, document imaging and printing vendors, multimedia application developers, and standards bodies referencing an interoperable still-image compression baseline.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 15444 (JPEG 2000) family. Key related parts include ISO/IEC 15444-2 (extensions), ISO/IEC 15444-3 (Motion JPEG 2000), ISO/IEC 15444-15 (High-Throughput JPEG 2000), and other parts addressing conformance, APIs and specific extensions. The series is managed alongside corresponding ITU‑T Recommendations (for example ITU‑T T.800 is common text with this part).

Keywords

JPEG 2000; image compression; codestream; file format; lossless; lossy; ITU‑T T.800; core coding system; digital preservation; still images.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 15444-1:2024 is the international standard that defines the core JPEG 2000 image coding system (codestream, file format and decoding/encoding processes) used for lossless and lossy compression of still images.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers codestream syntax, decoding procedures, an associated file format, and guidance for encoding so that encoders and decoders interoperate; it applies to bi-level, greyscale, palettized and continuous-tone colour images in both lossless and lossy modes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Software and codec developers, camera and imaging hardware vendors, digital preservation teams, archives and libraries, document imaging vendors, and multimedia application developers that require a standardized, interoperable image compression format.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO/IEC 15444-1:2024 is the published edition (Nov 2024) and supersedes earlier editions (for example the 2019 edition was withdrawn when the 2024 edition was published).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 1 of the ISO/IEC 15444 (JPEG 2000) series; multiple companion parts define extensions, motion coding, high-throughput variants and conformance/testing methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: JPEG 2000, codestream, file format, core coding system, lossless compression, lossy compression, ITU‑T T.800, image compression, digital preservation.