VICAR Converter
Convert VICAR files online for free
Drop or upload your .VICAR file
How to convert your VICAR file
- Click Select File above, and choose your VICAR file.
- You'll see a preview.
- Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.
Convert VICAR to another file type
The converter easily converts your VICAR file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.
Convert a file to VICAR
The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the VICAR file type—in the best quality.
About VICAR files
VICAR (Video Image Communication and Retrieval) files are a specialized format used primarily by NASA for storing image data from various space missions. These files are integral to scientific communities dealing with planetary and space imagery. However, the niche format can pose significant challenges for everyday users who need more common image formats.
Common file extensions for VICAR files include .vicar and .img. These files can be converted into more accessible formats such as .tiff, .jpeg, .png, and .bmp.
Converting VICAR files typically requires specific software. USGS ISIS (Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers) is one such tool, designed for planetary data processing. Additionally, GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) offers command-line utilities for conversion and manipulation of geospatial data, including VICAR files. For more information on VICAR, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
Important considerations for converting VICAR files include understanding the metadata and ensuring compatibility with target formats. Challenges arise due to the specialized nature of VICAR files, which may not retain all image information when converted to more common formats. Additionally, software solutions often require a learning curve and technical expertise.
Despite these challenges, using VICAR files has drawbacks. Their specialized nature makes them less versatile for general use. For a hassle-free solution, consider using Convert.Guru. This platform allows you to drag and drop VICAR files for seamless conversion to various formats without technical barriers, ensuring that you can view and share your images with ease.
The VICAR Converter Story
The history of Convert.Guru began more than 25 years ago in California, when Tom Simondi published the most comprehensive database of file formats on his website. Before that, Tom had worked on Space Shuttle development at the Air Force Systems Command’s Space Division in Los Angeles. He is known as one of the top programmers of the late 1980s.
When Microsoft integrated Tom’s Filext database into Windows XP, it became the leading platform for analyzing and processing file types and formats.
Today, we use the latest technologies to analyze, process, and convert one of the world's largest collections of file formats. We are committed to developing the best VICAR converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.