WSQ Converter

Convert WSQ files online for free

Select File
Drop or upload your .WSQ file

How to convert your WSQ file

Click Select File above, and choose your WSQ file.
You'll see a preview.
Click the "Convert file to..." button to save your file in the format you want.

Convert WSQ to another file type

The converter easily converts your WSQ file to various formats—free and online. No Windows or extra software needed.

WSQ to JPG
WSQ to BMP
WSQ to IMAGE
WSQ to PNG

Convert a file to WSQ

The converter also works in reverse, allowing you to convert your file into the WSQ file type—in the best quality.

About WSQ files

The WSQ (Wavelet Scalar Quantization) file format is primarily used for compressing fingerprint images. Developed by the FBI, WSQ is crucial in law enforcement and biometric systems due to its high compression ratio and minimal loss of quality. While WSQ files are efficient for storage and transmission, they're not widely supported by general-purpose image viewers, creating challenges for everyday users.

Converting WSQ files can be tricky due to the specialized nature of the format. However, several software solutions can help:

IrfanView: With the appropriate plugins, this versatile image viewer can open and convert WSQ files to more common formats like JPG, PNG, and BMP.
NIST Biometric Image Software (NBIS): A comprehensive suite for handling WSQ files, allowing conversion to formats such as TIFF and RAW.

Converting WSQ files requires careful consideration of quality retention and compatibility. The conversion process can sometimes lead to a loss of important biometric data, making it essential to use reliable software. Additionally, the limited support for WSQ files means users must often rely on specialized tools, which can be cumbersome.

Despite these challenges, converting WSQ files to more widely accepted formats is essential for broader accessibility and usability. While there are offline tools available, using an easy and free online service like Convert.Guru simplifies the process. Simply drag and drop your WSQ files onto the Convert.Guru webpage, and convert them to your desired format effortlessly. This user-friendly approach saves time and ensures your files are accessible in formats such as JPG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and RAW.

The WSQ 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 WSQ converter by continuously improving quality, usability, and reliability.