ISO/IEC 15444-6:2013

Overview

ISO/IEC 15444-6:2013 specifies the Compound Image File Format within the JPEG 2000 family. This normative (but optional) file format extends the JP2/JPX architecture to provide a binary container for compound images - combining multiple bi-level and continuous-tone images, layout structures, and metadata. The 2013 second edition consolidates the original 2003 standard and its 2007 amendment.

Keywords: ISO/IEC 15444-6, JPEG 2000, compound image file format, JP2, JPX, mixed raster content (MRC)

Key topics and technical requirements

• Mixed Raster Content (MRC) model: defines how multiple image layers (e.g., text mask + foreground + background) are combined to form a single compound image.
• Binary container for multiple images: supports storage of multi-page documents, layout objects, and page collections using the JPEG 2000 file family architecture.
• Integration with JP2/JPX boxes: uses box structures defined in JP2 (ISO/IEC 15444-1) and JPX (ISO/IEC 15444-2) for flexible object and metadata packaging.
• Support for compressed image formats: specifies mechanisms to store JPEG 2000 codestreams and other compressed image data types within the compound container.
• Metadata and hidden text: defines mechanisms for embedding metadata, intellectual property information, annotations, and hidden text (searchable or accessible text layers).
• Structure and profiles: includes hierarchical grouping (layout objects → pages → page collections), box definitions, profiles and decompression guidelines to ensure interoperable implementations.
• Normative implementation: applications implementing the format shall follow the standard’s descriptions and requirements.

Keywords: MRC, metadata, JP2 boxes, JPX, multi-page images, hidden text

Applications and who uses it

ISO/IEC 15444-6 is targeted at organizations and developers needing structured, high-quality image containers:

• Digital libraries and archives (multi-page scanned documents, mixed content pages)
• Document imaging and capture vendors (scanners, OCR workflows)
• Enterprise content management (ECM) and records management systems
• Publishers and print-on-demand services handling pages with mixed raster/text layers
• Software developers building viewers, converters, or repositories that support JPEG 2000 compound files

Practical benefits include efficient storage of layered/mixed-content pages, improved preservation of layout and text, and standardized metadata handling for long-term access and interoperability.

Keywords: multi-page, document imaging, digital preservation, OCR, ECM

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 15444-1 (JP2 core file format)
• ISO/IEC 15444-2 (JPX extensions)
• Related MRC and image compression standards referenced in ISO/IEC 15444-6

Keywords: ISO/IEC 15444, JP2, JPX, MRC