JCOGS Image Pro

Superior Image Management Utility for EE 6.4.18+ and EE7+

JCOGS Image Pro is image processing add-on that has replaced JCOGS Image. It delivers all the power of JCOGS Image 1.x but with dramatically improved performance, intuitive self-documenting syntax, and advanced new features. Built from the ground up for ExpressionEngine 6.4.18+ and 7+, it provides a seamless upgrade path requiring only simple tag name changes while maintaining 100% parameter compatibility and introducing Pro-exclusive usability improvements like named attributes for complex parameters.

Important (Legacy add-on notice): JCOGS Image (legacy) is no longer available for new installs. Security updates and documentation for existing sites continue to be available at https://jcogs.net/documentation/jcogs_img

What makes JCOGS Image Pro special?

JCOGS Image Pro represents a complete rewrite to modern coding standards, designed to be fully compatible with EE6.4.18+ and EE7+ and lay new foundations for future developments. The key enhancements include:

• Dramatically improved performance - Up to 6x faster caching with intelligent auto-optimisation that benchmarks your system and applies optimal settings automatically
• Advanced preset system - Create, manage and preview image processing presets through an intuitive Control Panel interface with dynamic parameter previews
• Named connection system - Configure multiple storage connections (local, cloud) and specify per-tag which connection to use for maximum flexibility
• Intuitive named attribute system - Pro-exclusive specify complex parameters using descriptive attribute names like content:, font_size:, colour: instead of the more difficult legacy positional argument system
• Enhanced error notification system - Intelligent error tracking with comprehensive Control Panel integration for superior debugging experience
• Enhanced user experience - CSS colour name support, comprehensive cache management with interactive dashboard widgets, and enhanced debugging tools

What does JCOGS Image Pro do?

JCOGS Image Pro is a comprehensive image processing add-on that transforms how you work with images in ExpressionEngine. Whether you need to resize photos, apply visual effects, convert formats, or optimise delivery, Pro handles it all automatically through simple template tags.

• Complete Image Processing Suite
  Convert between image formats (e.g. JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP), resize and crop images with intelligent aspect ratio handling, apply filters and effects (grayscale, sepia, blur, brightness, etc.), rotate and flip images, and generate responsive image sets with srcset and sizes attributes for optimal device delivery.
• All JCOGS Image 1.x functionality enhanced
  JCOGS Image Pro maintains 100% parameter compatibility with existing JCOGS Image templates while delivering significantly enhanced performance and new capabilities. Everything works exactly as before, just faster and with more options.
• Advanced Preset Management
  Create and manage sophisticated image processing presets through the Control Panel with live preview functionality. Define complex parameter combinations once, then apply them consistently across your site with simple preset references.
• Intelligent Caching System
  Pro’s enhanced caching delivers up to 6x performance improvements through automatic threshold optimisation. Interactive cache management provides detailed monitoring, statistics, and maintenance tools through dashboard widgets and comprehensive Control Panel interfaces.
• Named Connection System
  Configure multiple storage connections (local directories, cloud storage) and specify per-tag which connection to use. This provides unprecedented flexibility for managing images across different storage systems while maintaining simple template syntax.
• Enhanced Developer Experience
  Image Pro now recognises CSS colour names (e.g. ‘azure’), and can read durations specified in natural language (e.g. ‘four hours 2 mins’). The new Named attribute system makes complex parameters readable and maintainable - allowing use of intuitive names like `content:`, `font_size:`, `colour:` instead of the need to use rigid positional arguments. An enhanced error notification system provides intelligent error tracking for superior debugging. Usability improvements such as these make the developer’s job easier, and so ensure reliable operation and easier troubleshooting.
• Multiple Operation Modes
  Use JCOGS Image Pro through flexible template tags for standard image processing, or as a variable modifier to transform an existing file/URL variable inline (ideal for Channel fields, Grid/Fluid, Relationship output, etc.). For compatibility, the modifier name is jcogs_img and Image Pro reads only jip_ (or jip:) prefixed parameters to avoid collisions with other modifiers. Variable modifier example
  {image_url:jcogs_img jip_preset="thumbnail" jip_width="600" jip_format="webp"}
  Action-link system enables dynamic image generation even with static caching, allowing JavaScript-driven image transformations and cache-compatible workflows.

Why choose JCOGS Image Pro?

• Simple upgrade process
  JCOGS Image Pro delivers immediate performance improvements with minimal effort required. Existing JCOGS Image 1.x sites need only change the tag name from `jcogs_img` to `jcogs_img_pro` - all parameters work identically while gaining up to 6x faster caching, enhanced processing efficiency, and Pro-exclusive features like presets, named connections and named attributes for complex parameters.
• Modern architecture with future-proof design
  Completely rewritten to modern coding standards with PSR-12 compliance, comprehensive unit testing, and pipeline-based processing architecture. This foundation ensures compatibility with current and future ExpressionEngine versions while enabling advanced functionality. The new codebase for Image Pro also enables the provision of future optional enhancements to address specific developer needs - such as support for additional cloud providers, advanced filter packs - and enable the release of a JCOGS Image field type.
• Advanced features when you need them
  Pro adds sophisticated preset management, named connection systems, intuitive named attributes for maintainable templates, enhanced error notification system with interactive debugging tools, and enhanced cache monitoring without complicating basic usage. New features integrate seamlessly - use them when beneficial, ignore them when simple or legacy functionality suffices.
• Enhanced reliability and maintainability
  Ground-up rewrite incorporates years of real-world feedback from JCOGS Image 1.x deployments. Improved debugging, comprehensive error handling, and modern code architecture ensure stable operation and easier troubleshooting.
• Proven image processing capabilities
  All the trusted image manipulation, format conversion, responsive image generation, and caching features that made JCOGS Image 1.x successful - enhanced for better performance and expanded functionality.
• Active development and support
  JCOGS Image Pro continues the tradition of active development, rapid support response, and regular feature updates that JCOGS Image users expect.

Simple upgrade from JCOGS Image 1.x and CE Image

JCOGS Image Pro provides a straightforward upgrade path for existing JCOGS Image 1.x and CE Image installations.

JCOGS Image 1.x Upgrade - Pro maintains complete parameter compatibility with all existing JCOGS Image 1.x templates. Simply change {exp:jcogs_img:...} to {exp:jcogs_img_pro:...} in your templates - all parameters work identically while gaining significant performance improvements.

CE Image Migration - Pro also provides excellent compatibility with CE Image syntax. In most cases, simply changing {exp:ce_img:...} to {exp:jcogs_img_pro:...} is all that’s required, making migration from CE Image straightforward with minimal template adjustments.

Enhanced Functionality - All existing features work exactly as before while gaining performance improvements and access to new Pro capabilities like preset management, named connections, and advanced cache monitoring.

Proven Reliability - Pro incorporates years of real-world experience from JCOGS Image 1.x deployments, addressing edge cases and optimising workflows based on actual usage patterns.

Extensible via companion add-ons

JCOGS Image Pro’s architecture supports use of optional companion add-ons to add additional features and functions - extending the value of your investment in EE’s premier image processing utility.

Coming soon:

The JCOGS Image Pro Field is the new standard for image fields - adding the ability for content editors and developers to apply presets, crops and art direction to source images, along with powerful tools fo improve responsive handling of images.

Requirements

JCOGS Image Pro is designed for modern ExpressionEngine installations:

• ExpressionEngine 6.4.18+ or 7+
• PHP 8.1+ with GD/GD2 library
• Server compatibility - Works on shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers
• Cloud storage support - Optional integration with AWS S3, DigitalOcean Spaces, and other cloud storage services

Note: For ExpressionEngine 6.4.17 or earlier, or in PHP 7.4/8.0 environments, JCOGS Image Pro is not compatible. JCOGS Image (legacy) is no longer available for new installs; however, security updates and documentation for existing sites continue to be available at https://jcogs.net/documentation/jcogs_img.

Professional support and ongoing development

JCOGS Image Pro maintains the high standard of support that JCOGS Image users expect. Whether you’re implementing complex image processing workflows or troubleshooting specific issues, professional support is available to help you succeed.

Regular updates introduce new features, performance improvements, and compatibility enhancements. The modern codebase and comprehensive testing ensure reliable operation while providing a foundation for continued innovation in image processing capabilities.