The new release of libjpeg, the reference library for decoding and encoding JPEG images, has been published in version 9d and is available as of now. The new library contains many changes to optimize JPEG-rendering and to increase the stability of the process. Minor new features have been added, while the focus of most developers and users is on reliability of the application. Libjpeg can be used as it is but can also be modified to fit the application it is build into.

The project configuration settings of the library contain a few improvements for developers: The IJG code already worked fine in 64-bit environments, but it has now been adapted for cleaner compilation, and a configuration option has been added in the Visual Studio setup, so that 32-bit and 64-bit versions can be built side by side. The cPicture application (cpicture.thecloudsite.net) has already been updated to the new JPEG 9d version one day after the release. Other reference applications followed, such as PhotoLine, Directory Opus or StudioLine Photo.

Libjpeg developer Guido Vollbeding: “Since there are still many older versions and varieties of libjpeg out there, some of them with severe security vulnerabilities, it is recommended that application developers now integrate the latest release. Libjpeg is a reference library that does not contain optimizations for certain software and hardware settings. Developers are invited to create their own instances on the basis of the reference libjpeg to increase the performance of their application.”

About Independent JPEG Group (IJG)

IJG is an informal group that writes and distributes a widely used free library for JPEG image compression on a non-profit basis. The first version of this library was released on 7-Oct-1991. After this, many versions of libjpeg were created to make the standard sustainable for future applications. The IJG was headed originally by Thomas Lane and from 2005 by Guido Vollbeding. From 2008 the IJG is part of the Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI) at Leipzig University. The reference software of the Independent JPEG Group was a key to the success of the original JPEG standard and has found widespread adoption in applications of image coding. IJG News at: http://jpegclub.org/reference

Call for Contributions: In October 2021 we (IJG, INFAI, Leipzig University) will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first release of libjpeg. Feel invited to take part and give a contribution to the conference.

Register at: https://jpegclub.org/reference/jpeg-30th-anniversary/

Download of the PDF-version of the press release: libjpeg_new_release_2020_04

Press contact:

Dr. Lars Göhler, eastpress media (eastpress.de)
Thomasiusstr. 28
04109 Leipzig
Germany
Phone: +49 341 4612787
jpeg@eastpress.de

Project contact Independent JPEG Group at Institut für Angewandte Informatik

Guido Vollbeding, Institute for Applied Informatics (InfAI, infai.org, ijg.org)
Goerdelerring 9
04109 Leipzig
Germany
Phone: +49 341 229037 0
vollbeding@infai.org