FITS File Extension

What is FITS file?

FITS filename suffix is mostly used for Flexible Image Transport System Format files. FITS files are supported by software applications available for devices running , Linux, Mac OS, Windows. FITS file belongs to the Raster Image Files category just like 522 other filename extensions listed in our database. GIMP supports FITS files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 7 other tools may also be used. Software named GIMP was created by The GIMP Team. In order to find more detailed information on the software and FITS files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support FITS file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with FITS files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with FITS suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with FITS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening FITS files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with FITS files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install GIMP

Problems with opening and working with FITS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with FITS files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install GIMP or one to the listed programs: XnView, AVIS - FITS Viewer. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support FITS files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit GIMP website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of GIMP and update if needed

If you already have GIMP installed on your systems and FITS files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why FITS files are not compatible with GIMP. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using GIMP.

Step 3. Assign GIMP to FITS files

If you have the latest version of GIMP installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage FITS on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the FITS file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where GIMP is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open FITS files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the FITS file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select GIMP and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with FITS extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the FITS file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the FITS file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The FITS may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the FITS is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the FITS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. FITS file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with FITS extension is complete and error-free

If the FITS file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the FITS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Flexible Image Transport System Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run GIMP

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with FITS extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Flexible Image Transport System Format file. It may be the case that the FITS files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the FITS file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on FITS file.