.IMG File Extension
Disc Image Data File
Developer | N/A |
Popularity |
4.0 | 245 Votes |
Category | Disk Image Files |
Format | Binary |
What is an IMG file?
An IMG file is a disk image file created by various disk imaging applications, such as H+H Software Virtual CD. It stores an exact copy of the data on a CD or DVD and is used for backups and burning new discs.
IMG files created by different disk imaging programs may use different formats. For example, IMG files created by SlySoft CloneCD must be paired with an associated .CCD and .SUB file before they can be used to create a disc. Before using an IMG file to create a new disc, you should attempt to determine what program created the IMG file and check whether your disc-authoring program can burn files saved in that format.
How to open an IMG file
You can use IMG files to create discs in several Windows programs, including:
When using a CloneCD IMG file to create a disc, you must also supply the CCD and SUB files associated with the CloneCD IMG file.
Programs that open IMG files
Grand Theft Auto Data File
Developer | Rockstar Games |
Popularity |
3.4 | 44 Votes |
Category | Game Files |
Format | Binary |
What is an IMG file?
Data file used by Grand Theft Auto (GTA) III and IV, a game series where players complete missions in urban city environments; contains various game data, including car and unit graphics, weapons, and other game items; often altered to create custom game content.
IMG files have three different file format versions:
- GTA III and GTA: Vice City: stored with a separate ".dir" file.
- GTA: San Andreas: combines the ".img" and ".dir" files into a single archive.
- GTA IV: supports encrypted game data.
Programs that open or reference IMG files
Macintosh Disk Image
Developer | Apple |
Popularity |
3.5 | 31 Votes |
Category | Disk Image Files |
Format | Binary |
What is an IMG file?
An IMG file is a disk image used to mount a file system. It can be mounted like a disk drive (e.g., an external hard drive) or an optical disc (e.g., a CD or DVD). IMG files are stored on the hard drive but are recognized as a disc or hard disk when mounted by the computer.
IMG files were used by Mac OS 9 and earlier versions of the Mac OS. They can still be opened on macOS, but they have been replaced by the newer .DMG disk image format.
NOTE: In some cases, renaming an IMG file's extension from ".img" to ".iso" allows other programs to open the file.
Programs that open or reference IMG files
Floppy Disk Image
Developer | N/A |
Popularity |
3.6 | 20 Votes |
Category | Disk Image Files |
Format | Binary |
What is an IMG file?
An IMG file is a disk image created using the contents of a 3.5" floppy disk, which usually has a 1.44MB capacity. It stores a disk's contents as a single file that can be mounted on a computer virtually, instead of from the floppy drive. IMG files are often used to install and access older operating systems, such as MS-DOS, within virtual machines.
Floppy disk image files are not commonly used anymore since floppy disk drives are no longer included with most new computer systems.
How to open an IMG file
You can view the contents of an IMG file using DiskCopy (Windows), and you can install an IMG-based operating system within a virtual machine using Oracle VM VirtualBox (cross-platform).
Programs that open or reference IMG files
What is an IMG file?
Raster image created by ERDAS IMAGINE, a geospatial data authoring application; contains one or more layers, called bands, which include multiple image tiles that comprise the image; used to store small to very large geographical datasets.
IMG files may contain additional information, such as statistics, ground control points, map information, and image metadata. They also support subsampled raster layers, called pyramid layers, for faster screen display within GIS applications.
IMAGINE images use the ERDAS Hierarchal File Format (HFA) to store raster data.
Programs that open IMG files
What is an IMG file?
File used by Garmin GPS devices; contains map data, such as street names, navigation routes, and points of interest; used to store and upload user-customized and Garmin pre-installed map data onto Garmin devices.
Programs that open or reference IMG files
GEM Image
Developer | Digital Research |
Popularity |
2.5 | 14 Votes |
Category | Raster Image Files |
Format | Binary |
What is an IMG file?
An IMG file is a raster image saved in the GEM image format. This format was originally used in the GEM operating environment, created by Digital Research for use with DOS. While IMG files are now uncommon, some image viewers and converters can still open them.
In the 1980s, Digital Research created the Graphics Environment Manager (GEM) operating environment, which allowed users to run a variety of programs, including GEM Paint and Ventura Publisher. GEM programs often saved images in the IMG format (or related formats).
IMG files may contain monochrome, grayscale, or color images. Color images can be comprised of up to 16 colors.
NOTE: Novell acquired Digital Research in the 1990s.
How to open an IMG file
You can open an IMG file with XnViewMP (multiplatform), Netpbm (multiplatform), or Logipole Konvertor (Windows). For example, to open an IMG file with XnViewMP, select File → Open... from the program's menu bar, and then navigate to and open your IMG file.
How to convert an IMG file
You can use Logipole Konvertor (Windows), Netpbm (multiplatform), or XnViewMP (multiplatform) to convert IMG files to other image formats. For example, XnViewMP can convert IMG files to the following formats (and many others):