VIC File Extension

VIC file icon

VICAR Image

What is a VIC file?

VICAR Image, identified by the VIC extension, is a Raster Image Files type and includes 575 files.

ViziGen, the developer of the VICAR Image (VIC), has released file format and programs designed to handle them.

VIC files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. There are 2 programs available to view a VIC file, including popular tools like WINVICAR and XnView.

Programs that support VIC files

Mac OS logo

Mac OS

Linux logo

Linux

How to open a VIC file?

If you are having trouble opening a VIC file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

WINVICAR and XnView are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with VIC files. If you wish to install the latest release of WINVICAR, visit the official Open Channel portal and download the edition that works on any operating system.

Once WINVICAR is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening VIC files.

Set WINVICAR as the default VIC handler

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

  1. Right-click on your VIC file and choose the "Open With" option. Then click "Choose another app" to continue the process;
  2. In the pop-up window, find and select the WINVICAR application from the available options;
  3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening VIC files.

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired VIC file to launch the file options menu;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for WINVICAR. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

How to edit a VIC file?

Editing VIC files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit raster image files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated VICAR Image programs.

List of Top VIC editors 2026

According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available VIC editors.

VIC Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
WINVICAROpen ChannelWindows4.7 out of 5 (42 reviews)

Effective solutions for VIC file problems

If VIC files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What are the possible solutions to recover a corrupt VIC file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged VIC file. Go to the menu and select the "Repair" option to repair the file. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.

Are there any symptoms that my VIC file is damaged?

Corrupted VIC raster image files may show the following signs:

  • Opening the file in WINVICAR or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
  • Error dialogs are displayed when interacting with the file;
  • Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the VIC file;
  • Editing the archive in WINVICAR is accompanied by slow performance or delays;

What are the possible causes of WINVICAR crashing?

The absence of software updates can cause WINVICAR to crash. It is recommended to install the latest available updates for Open Channel products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.