Opening a NITF File

The NITF file type is primarily associated with ERDAS IMAGINE.

NITF	File extension: NITF
	File type:	National Imagery Transmission Format file

What is a NITF file?

NITF files mostly belong to ERDAS IMAGINE by Hexagon. NITF file format is an image data format that has been developed and maintained by the United States Department of Defence (USDOD).

Main Use: NITF stands for National Imagery Transmission Format. NITF files are used by the United States government and military. NITF files consist of various types of data such as text, images, graphics (such as sub-images, symbols, labels related to the image), and other metadata in a single file. NITF format can also support multiple layers of data and is frequently used for saving satellite and aerial images. NITF files can also accommodate Support Data Extensions (SDEs), which can be used to adding additional data elements. SDEs can provide additional functionality to NITF files without significantly affecting underlying document data. The present specifications standards for the NITF 2.1 file format are found in the MIL-STD-2500C(1) document.
Adoption: NITF files can be opened on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms using the GDAL, and XnViewMP software. ITT VIS ENVI and ERDAS IMAGINE can open NITF files on Windows systems only.

How to open a NITF file

You need a suitable software like ERDAS IMAGINE to open a NITF file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your NITF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a NITF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online NITF File Viewer

Choose your .nitf file to view this image

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to convert a NITF file to JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, ...

If you want to convert or edit a NITF file, you can use our free Online NITF File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):

To do this, click the button "Choose your .nitf file to view this image" on this page.
Your NITF file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the image format (e.g. JPG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert NITF files:

ERDAS IMAGINE by Hexagon
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. NITF files are often referred to as ERDAS IMAGINE raster images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ENVI (National Imagery Transmission Format file) by Harris Geospatial Solutions
ENVI is a software for geospatial image processing and analysis from Harris Geospatial Solutions. It supports the National Imagery Transmission Format, which has the NITF file extension. NITF is a standard for exchange of digital imagery data that is used by the US government and Department of Defense (DoD). It contains raster image data, as well as optional annotations, labels, and other overlay text and graphics. The file also includes other information about the image. This file format is classified as Raster Image. Related links: ENVI Brochure, Description of the NITF Format on Harris Geospatial Solutions's Website, Saving NITF Files in ENVI, ENVI Webinar
XnView MP (National Imagery Transmission Format file) by XnSoft
XnView MP is an image viewer developed by XnSoft that is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The application can read more than 500 image formats. It supports the National Imagery Transmission Format, which has the NITF file extension. NITF is a standard for exchange of digital imagery data that is used by the US government and Department of Defense (DoD). It contains raster image data, as well as optional annotations, labels, and other overlay text and graphics. The file also includes other information about the image. This file format is classified as Raster Image. Related links: XnView on Wikipedia, NITF Format Support in XnView MP

Technical Data for NITF File Extension

File classification:

Raster Image

Related files:

ntf, nsf, r0, xml, rrd, gis, lan

Mime type:

image/nitf, image/ntf, application/vnd.nitf

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: GraphicsConverterPro.nitf, FileType: National Imagery Transmission Format, AppName: GraphicsConverter-reg
EXEFile: GraphicsConverter.exe

ProgramID: XnView.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1

a nitf National Imagery Transmission Format file is a special file format by Hexagon and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with NITF files

Associate the NITF file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open national imagery transmission format files. Because only the current version supports the latest NITF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Hexagon manufacturer website after an available ERDAS IMAGINE update.
To make sure that your NITF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .NITF file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.