An ECM file contains a compressed disc image. It is created using the Error Code Modeler format. ECM reduces image size by storing data without error correction or detection codes. The ECM command-line tool creates this format. Gemc also works. You can convert ECM files to BIN, ISO, or CUE formats.
The FileInfo.com team researched the ECM Disc Image format. Their goal is 100% accuracy regarding file types. They publish verified information. You can suggest additions or updates to this page.
ECM stands for Error Code Modeler. An ECM file contains a processed disc image. Use Error Code Modeler to work with ECM files. It can convert them back to ISO or other binary formats.
When you double-click an ECM file to open it, Windows checks the extension. If unrecognized, you get a message to select an app. It means no default app handles the .ecm type.
Many files contain only text. Use a text editor to view the file contents. This reveals file corruption issues. It also may convert the file to a usable format.