JBIG-KIT implements a highly effective data compression algorithm for bi-level high-resolution images such as fax pages or scanned documents.

The JBIG-KIT project provides a portable C library of compression and decompression functions with a documented interface that can easily be included into image or document processing software.

JBIG-KIT provides ready-to-use compression and decompression programs with a simple command line interface (similar to the converters found in netpbm). It implements the specification ISO 11544 and ITU-T T.82, which is commonly referred to as the "JBIG1 standard".

* Fully reentrant multithread-capable design, also suitable for use in embedded systems (no global or static variables, isolated malloc()/free() calls, etc.).
* Capable of handling incomplete and growing JBIG1 data streams in order to allow earliest display of low resolution versions.
* Capable of handling several incoming data streams simultaneously in one single process and task.
* Especially designed with applications in mind that want to display incoming data as early as possible (e.g., similar to the way in which Netscape Navigator handles incoming GIF images).
* Implements all JBIG1 features and options, including progressive and sequential encoding, multiple bit planes, user specified resolution reduction and deterministic prediction tables, adaptive template changes for optimal performance on half-tone images, deterministic prediction, typical prediction in lowest and differential layers, various stripe orderings, etc. Only the SEQ and HITOLO options are currently not supported by the decoder (they are normally never required, but could be added later in case of user requirements).
* Suitable for fax applications, satisfies ITU-T T.85 profile starting from version 1.5
* Efficient code, optimized utilization of 32-bit processor registers.
* Very easy to use documented C library interface.
* Included Gray code conversion routines for efficient encoding of grayscale images.
* Ready-to-use pbmtojbg and jbgtopbm converters.