Tips to open IMG file

Can't open the IMG file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open IMG files as well as a list of programs that support IMG files.

IMG file extension

File Name Macintosh Disk Image
File Developer Apple
File Category Disk Image Files

The IMG file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the IMG files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the IMG file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is IMG file?

The .IMG file is a disk image. It was originally used by the Macintosh platform, but it also successfully caught on on Windows. The disk image is saved as a file and must be loaded with the appropriate software. Newer systems do not require additional software and files of this type are integrated directly into the shell. The .IMG file has been replaced on the Macintosh platform by the newer .DMG file, but the latter has not been caught on Windows, so .IMG files are still used.

How to open IMG file?

The main problem with Macintosh Disk Image is that the IMG file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open IMG, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the IMG file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Apple Disk Utility

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Apple Disk Utility is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Apple Disk Utility in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file IMG with Apple Disk Utility. Below you will find a list of applications that support IMG files.

Programs to open IMG file

Remember to download programs supporting IMG files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Apple Disk Utility with IMG files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the IMG file still does not use the Apple Disk Utility program, it means no association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Apple Disk Utility application as the default for handling the IMG file.

Step 3. Update Apple Disk Utility to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Apple Disk Utility program with the Macintosh Disk Image file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Apple, Inc. page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the IMG file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The IMG file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the IMG file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file IMG or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected IMG file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of IMG file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged IMG files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Apple help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted IMG files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the IMG file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file IMG to close. However, some background programs may block the IMG file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.