How to open a .jxl file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .jxl file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands JPEG XL. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .jxl file is a JPEG XL Image. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads JPEG XL yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .jxl file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .jxl. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with XnView MP or GIMP (with plugin).
On Mac, use Preview (recent macOS) or GIMP.
On Linux, try GIMP or ImageMagick.
Still stuck? Convert the .jxl to jpg, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .jxl files

Windows

XnView MP
GIMP (with plugin)
IrfanView

macOS

Preview (recent macOS)
GIMP
XnView MP

Linux

GIMP
ImageMagick
gwenview

Web

Browsers with JXL enabled

Before you open it: Safe. JPEG XL is an image format decoded by image software. It does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .jxl file?

Almost always because no installed app understands JPEG XL. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a JXL file?

Use an image tool with JXL support such as XnView MP or GIMP, or Preview on recent macOS. If nothing opens it, convert it to JPEG or PNG.

Is JPEG XL better than JPEG?

Technically yes: smaller files, a lossless mode, transparency and better quality. Its limit today is compatibility, since not every app and browser supports it yet.