DCM File Extension
DICOM Image
- File Type dcm
- Developer NEMA
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a DCM file?
The DCM extension is related to DICOM Image and is classified in the Raster Image Files category, which contains 575 files.
DCM files are supported by Mac OS, Windows and Linux. To view a DCM file, you can choose from 9 programs such as Adobe Photoshop, XnView and GIMP.
MIME types
- image/x-dicom
- image/dicom
Programs that support DCM files
How to open a DCM file?
If you cannot open a DCM file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
Adobe Photoshop, XnView and GIMP stand out as the preferred programs to manage DCM files effectively. To install the latest version of Adobe Photoshop on your computer, visit the Adobe website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
Once the process is complete, Adobe Photoshop should take over as the default application for DCM files.
Set Adobe Photoshop as the default DCM program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired DCM file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your DCM file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
- In the pop-up window, select the Adobe Photoshop application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening DCM files.
Convert files to and from DCM
If you have trouble working with a DCM file, try converting it to JPG, JPEG, MP3, PNG, TIF or similar raster image files.
Be aware that converting a DCM file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.
Offline software, including Adobe Photoshop, MeVisLab and GIMP, allows smooth conversion of DCM files while preserving original quality.
Convert DCM to other file formats
Solve problems with DCM files
Rest assured, any issues with DCM files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
What are the ways to check if my DCM file is damaged?
DCM raster image files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Adobe Photoshop;
- The file stops responding or freezes in Adobe Photoshop or other programs;
- Unexplained DCM file size inflation;
- Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;
Why does Adobe Photoshop crash?
Insufficient updates for Adobe products can cause Adobe Photoshop to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.
How to repair a corrupted DCM file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged DCM file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged raster image files.
How to edit a DCM file?
To make changes to DCM files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the raster image files. Online DCM editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for DICOM Image.
Best DCM Editor Software in 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of DCM editors you can use.
| DCM Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| MeVisLab | MeVis | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |