Convert PNG to JPEG 2000 on Mac

Select the PNG files in Finder, press ⌥ F, choose JPEG 2000 and press Return. FileFlip saves each JPEG 2000 next to its original and works without an internet connection.

Coming soon for MacComing soon · macOS 14 Sonoma or later
Example: IMG_4021.HEIC selected in Finder with FileFlip open next to it, suggesting JPEG, PNG and AVIF, with TIFF, PDF, GIF and ICNS under Other formats.

How to convert PNG to JPEG 2000 with FileFlip

  1. Select the PNG files

    In Finder or on the Desktop. One file, or a whole folder with ⌘ A.

  2. Press ⌥ F

    FileFlip opens next to the selection and lists the formats it can make from PNG. Type “JPEG 2000” to jump to it.

  3. Choose JPEG 2000 and press Return

    The JPEG 2000 files appear next to the originals with the same names. The PNG files stay as they are.

PNG and JPEG 2000

PNG is lossless, which makes photos saved as PNG several times larger than they need to be. Some archives and professional imaging systems ask for JPEG 2000.

What changes when you convert

  • JPEG 2000 can store the image either lossy or lossless.
PNG compared with JPEG 2000
PropertyPNGJPEG 2000
Full namePortable Network GraphicsJPEG 2000
Made byPNG Development GroupJoint Photographic Experts Group
Introduced19962000
CompressionLosslessLossy or lossless (wavelet)
TransparencyYesYes
Best forScreenshots, logos, graphics and images with text or transparencyArchiving and professional imaging
Opens inEverywhere, including every web browserPreview and professional imaging tools; most browsers and many apps don’t open it
File extension.png.jp2
In FileFlipOpens and savesOpens and saves

Other ways on a Mac

For one file now and then you may not need FileFlip. These work with what’s already on your Mac.

Preview

Open the PNG in Preview, choose File → Export, pick JPEG-2000 from the Format menu and click Save. For several files, open them together, select all thumbnails in the sidebar and choose File → Export Selected Images.

Good for a few files now and then.

Terminal

The sips command converts images in place or into a new file.

sips -s format jp2 screenshot.png \
  --out screenshot.jp2

Built into macOS and good for scripts. Run sips --formats to see what your macOS version can read and write.

Questions about PNG and JPEG 2000

Does converting PNG to JPEG 2000 lose quality?

JPEG 2000 can store the image either lossy or lossless.

Can I convert many PNG files at once?

Yes. Select them all in Finder, press ⌥ F and choose JPEG 2000. Progress moves to the menu bar, so you can close the panel and keep working.

Where is the JPEG 2000 file saved?

Next to the original, with the same name and the .jp2 extension. The PNG file isn’t changed. In Settings you can choose a different folder instead.

Can I convert JPEG 2000 back to PNG?

Yes, FileFlip converts JPEG 2000 to PNG as well.

Are my files uploaded anywhere?

No. FileFlip converts files on your Mac and works with the internet turned off.

Convert a whole folder of images at once

FileFlip also handles video, audio, PDFs, documents and data files. Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.

Coming soon for Mac