7 file types use the .img file extension.

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.

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How to open an IMG file

Category: Disk Image Files

Grand Theft Auto Data File

An IMG file may also be a data file used by Grand Theft Auto (GTA) III and IV. It contains various game data, including car and unit graphics, weapons, and other game items. Modders often alter IMG files to create custom game content.

IMG files have three different file format versions:

GTA III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas use the file gta3.img to save game data. This file type can be "modded" using the program IMG Tool. GTA IV IMG files can be edited using SparkIV or OpenIV.

Gta3.img - The IMG file included with GTA III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas.

You can open IMG files with SparkIV (Windows), OpenIV (Windows), or IMG Tool (Windows). Note that each tool can open only some games' IMG files. IMG Tool can open GTA III, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas IMG files, while SparkIV and OpenIV can open GTA IV IMG files.

Programs that open or reference IMG files

Updated: April 5, 2023

Macintosh Disk Image

An IMG file may also be 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 They can still be opened on macOS, but they have been replaced by the newer .DMG disk image format.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 IMG files

Updated: July 2, 2019

Floppy Disk Image

An IMG file may also be 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.

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

Updated: October 2, 2020

Garmin Map 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

Updated: January 12, 2010

ERDAS IMAGINE Image 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

Updated: May 4, 2010

GEM Image

An IMG file may also be 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.

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.

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):

Programs that open IMG files

Updated: July 27, 2022