IMG files exist as 7 different types. Please find information about each of them below.
Type 1: Disc Image Data File
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | Disc Image Data File |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | Various |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Disk image storage |
| Additional Functions | Backup, replication |
| Features | Byte-for-byte copy, Bootable option |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Exact replica |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with software |
Use Cases
| System Backup | Yes |
| Software Distribution | Yes |
| Virtual Machines | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Malicious code injection |
| Best Practices | Validate source, Scan for malware |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Varies |
| Latest Version | Depends on software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .iso, .bin, .nrg, .mdf |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Daemon Tools |
Free, Paid versions | Windows |
| PowerISO |
Free trial, Paid | Windows, Linux |
| WinImage |
Free trial, Paid | Windows |
Type 2: Grand Theft Auto Data File
This file type can be "modded" using the program IMG Tool. GTA IV IMG files can be edited using SparkIV or OpenIV. .IMG file is associated with Grand Theft Auto Data File developed by Rockstar Games. ...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | Grand Theft Auto Data File |
| File Type | Game Data Archive |
| Developer | Rockstar Games |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store game data |
| Additional Functions | Archive game assets |
| Features | Compressed, Indexed |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | With tools |
Use Cases
| Game Modding | Yes |
| Custom Content | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Injected code |
| Best Practices | Scan for malware, Verify source |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 2002 |
| Notable Versions | GTA III, GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .rpf, .dat, .ide, .ipl |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| OpenIV |
Free | Windows |
| Alci's IMG Editor |
Free | Windows |
| Spark |
Free | Windows |
Type 3: Macintosh Disk Image
An IMG file represents a copy of a disk used in older Mac OS versions. It contains the full contents and structure of the original disk. This format allows storage, transfer, and distribution of disk ...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | Macintosh Disk Image |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store disk images |
| Additional Functions | Software distribution, Backup |
| Features | Compressed, Encrypted |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with tools |
Use Cases
| Software Installation | Yes |
| Data Backup | Yes |
| Forensics | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Malware distribution |
| Best Practices | Checksum verification, Encryption |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Depends on software version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .iso, .dmg, .toast, .vdi |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Utility |
Free | macOS |
| DAEMON Tools |
Free/Paid | macOS, Windows |
| 7-Zip |
Free | Windows, Linux |
Type 4: Floppy Disk Image
These files use the .imz extension for compressed images of floppy disks created by WinImage. QEMU uses .img for hard drive disk raw images. CloneCD stores optical disc images in .img files. It genera...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | Macintosh Disk Image |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store disk images |
| Additional Functions | Software distribution, Backup |
| Features | Compressed, Encrypted |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Lossless |
| Supports Layers | N/A |
| Supports Transparency | N/A |
| Editable | Yes, with tools |
Use Cases
| Software Installation | Yes |
| Data Backup | Yes |
| Forensics | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Malware distribution |
| Best Practices | Checksum verification, Encryption |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Version | Depends on software version |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .iso, .dmg, .toast, .vdi |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Disk Utility |
Free | macOS |
| DAEMON Tools |
Free/Paid | macOS, Windows |
| 7-Zip |
Free | Windows, Linux |
Type 5: ERDAS IMAGINE Image File
The IMG file is ERDAS Imagine image data, used in geospatial applications. ERDAS Imagine allows preparing, displaying, and enhancing digital images for GIS or computer-aided design. IMG files store on...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | ERDAS IMAGINE Image File |
| File Type | Raster Image File |
| Developer | Hexagon Geospatial |
| MIME Type | image/x-erdas-imagine |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store imagery data |
| Additional Functions | Geospatial analysis |
| Features | Multiband, Georeferenced |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High resolution |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Remote Sensing | Yes |
| Environment Monitoring | Yes |
| Urban Planning | Yes |
| Agriculture Analysis | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, Access control |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Early 1990s |
| Latest Version | Varies with software |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .tif, .ecw, .sid |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| ERDAS IMAGINE |
Paid | Windows |
 ArcGIS |
Paid | Windows |
 QGIS |
Free | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Type 6: Garmin Map File
The .img file extension is used by Garmin to store maps for its GPS units. Img files contain a header and many subfiles based on a FAT file system. Some old GPS units require multiple img files to be ...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | Garmin Map File |
| File Type | Map File |
| Developer | Garmin |
| MIME Type | application/octet-stream |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store map data |
| Additional Functions | Navigation, Routing |
| Features | Geo-referenced, Vector-based |
File Characteristics
| Quality | High-resolution |
| Supports Layers | Yes |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Limited |
Use Cases
| Navigation | Yes |
| Route Planning | Yes |
| Outdoor Activities | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Minimal |
| Best Practices | Regular updates |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | Unknown |
| Latest Version | Varies by device |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .gpx, .mps, .tcx |
Software Compatibility
| Software | Usage Policy | OS Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
 Garmin Devices |
Device purchase | Garmin GPS devices |
 BaseCamp |
Free | Windows, Mac |
| MapSource |
Free | Windows |
Type 7: GEM Image
Here are variations on the text with sentences shortened to 6-17 words, sentences reordered to improve cohesion, words reordered, and unnecessary parts removed while retaining key information: The .i...
General Information
| Title | IMG File Extension |
| Extension | .img |
| Full Form | GEM Image File |
| File Type | Disk Image File |
| Developer | Ventura Publisher |
| MIME Type | image/img |
File Function
| Primary Function | Store images |
| Additional Functions | Disk imaging |
| Features | Bitmap, Raster graphics |
File Characteristics
| Quality | Fixed resolution |
| Supports Layers | No |
| Supports Transparency | No |
| Editable | Yes |
Use Cases
| Graphic Design | Yes |
| Image Storage | Yes |
| Software Emulation | Yes |
Security and Practices
| Security Risks | Low risk |
| Best Practices | Regular backups, File integrity checks |
Historical/Version Information
| Initial Release | 1980s |
| Latest Update | N/A |
Associated Types
| Similar Extensions | .tif, .bmp, .pcx |