Convert.Guru

VICAR Converter

Convert VICAR files online for free


Drop or upload your .VICAR file

How to convert your VICAR file

  1. Click the "Select File" button above, and choose your VICAR file.
  2. You'll see a preview.
  3. 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.

Use Convert.Guru online viewer to open and convert your VICAR file.

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The VICAR Converter Story

The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our VICAR converter.

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