File Extension Database

Open NITF File

The National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF) is a file format developed and maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It's designed to store, interchange, and display digital imagery and graphics. The NITF consists of a complex structure of metadata and subframes, collectively encapsulated in an NITF file with a .nitf extension.

Opening NITF Files

Opening a file with the NITF extension is possible with a variety of programs. One option is to use commercial software such as ERDAS IMAGINE or arivis Vision4D. These applications are specifically designed to handle large imagery and graphics files, like NITF. Plus, they offer extensive features for image analysis and interpretation.

Alternatively, open-source solutions are providing more support for NITF files. The Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL) and Hexagon's Spatial Workshop can open, display, and perform simple manipulations on NITF files.

Programming Libraries

If you require more interaction with the NITF file's data or metadata, consider using a programming library. NITRO, a library written in C++, allows you to read, write, and manage NITF files programmatically. A Java-based option is the NITF Imaging Library provided by Codice.

Conversion Tools

Commercial and open-source NITF conversion tools are available if you need to convert NITF files to more commonly used formats. One such tool is the gdal_translate utility, part of the GDAL software package. This tool can convert NITF files to a variety of formats, including GeoTIFF, JPEG, and PNG.

NITF File Important Information

Working with NITF files involves understanding the complexity that comes with the multiple layers of metadata and image data. The power of the NITF format is in this complexity, as it allows for storing a rich amount of information inside a single file. Recognizing the tools and libraries available for handling these files is crucial in successfully decoding, analyzing, and leveraging the data stored in this format.

How Can I Open NITF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open NITF file is to find a NITF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NITF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open NITF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as NITF file opener then try to search online for "NITF viewer", "application to open NITF file" or "open NITF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open NITF file

How Can I Open NITF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a NITF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a NITF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with NITF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as NITF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open NITF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open NITF file then try to search for "NITF viewer", "application to open NITF file" or "read NITF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read NITF file

How Can I Open NITF File on Android

If you downloaded a NITF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded NITF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "NITF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "NITF viewer", "NITF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open NITF File on iPhone or iPad

To open NITF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the NITF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "NITF". This way you can find apps which can open NITF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "NITF viewer" or "NITF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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