Basic information about DICOM file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension DICOM（*.DICOM or *.dicom）, you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the DICOM file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the DICOM file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the DICOM file with their brief description and a list of programs that support DICOM file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the DICOM file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the DICOM file?
  • How to open a DICOM file?
  • What programs do I need to open a DICOM file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a DICOM file?
  • How to convert DICOM files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to DICOM file format?


1.Detail information about DICOM file extension: DICOM Image File

File type DICOM Image File Category Raster Image Files
Developer NEMA File format Binary
Description DICOM file is a DICOM Image File developed by NEMA. A DICOM file is an image saved in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. It contains an image from a medical scan, such as an ultrasound or MRI. DICOM files may also include identification data for patients so that the image is linked to a specific individual.
Software programs that will open, edit or convert DICOM files

Windows		 File Viewer Plus
MeVisLab
DicomWorks
ImageMagick
GIMP
Adobe Photoshop

macOS		 OsiriX Imaging Software
GIMP
Adobe Photoshop

Linux		 ImageMagick
GIMP

Web		 Jack Imaging
View My Scans



How to convert DICOM files to another file format?

There are 3 records in our database eligible for DICOM files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve DICOM to another files conversion, you may use the option.

DICOM to ART DICOM to JPEG DICOM to JPG


How to convert another files to DICOM file format?

There are 2 records in our database eligible for another files to DICOM file format conversion. If you want to achieve another files to DICOM conversion, you may use the option.

JPEG to DICOM JPG to DICOM


Can't open a DICOM file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.DICOM”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the DICOM extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support DICOM file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of DICOM files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a DICOM file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a DICOM file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a DICOM file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the DICOM file is damaged.
  • Whether the DICOM file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the DICOM file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the DICOM file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the DICOM file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a DICOM file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a DICOM file.

If the DICOM file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.