ISMRM President Margaret Hall-Craggs, MD, spoke with AuntMinnie about the upcoming annual meeting in Honolulu.
We scan the top radiology sources so you don’t have to.
From AI breakthroughs to imaging trends, we serve up real-time radiology insights.
Free DICOM Viewer: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Best Tools Available
Medical imaging is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Whether you’re a doctor, a student, or a patient, being able to open and review a DICOM file (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) can be extremely helpful. Thankfully, you don’t need to invest in expensive software to do this. A free DICOM viewer can give you full access to medical scans at no cost.
In this article, we’ll explain what DICOM files are, why a viewer is important, and which free tools offer the best features.
What Is a DICOM File?
A DICOM file contains both the medical image (such as an MRI, CT, or X-ray) and patient data embedded in it. Hospitals and clinics use DICOM to ensure standardization and compatibility across imaging equipment and systems.
However, most computers can’t open a DICOM file without special software. That’s where a DICOM viewer comes in.
Why a DICOM Viewer Is Important
A DICOM viewer allows you to:
- Open and review medical images on your own device
- Zoom, rotate, and measure structures inside the image
- Share scans securely with other doctors or get a second opinion
- Review past images to track treatment progress
For professionals, a DICOM viewer is a must-have tool. But even patients can use it to take control of their medical information.
Who Uses DICOM Viewers?
- Radiologists and clinicians use them to read scans.
- Medical students use them to learn anatomy and pathology.
- Patients may use them to view their own scans from a CD or download.
- Researchers often analyze anonymized imaging data for studies.
What to Look for in a Free DICOM Viewer
When choosing a free viewer, consider the following:
- User-friendly interface: You don’t want a steep learning curve.
- Cross-platform support: Make sure it works on Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Basic tools: Zoom, pan, measurements, and window leveling.
- Security: Look for encryption if you’re uploading sensitive data.
- No hidden costs: Truly free, with no feature locked behind a paywall.
Top Free DICOM Viewers (2025)
Here are some reliable and widely used free DICOM viewers:
1. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (Windows)
- Fast, lightweight, and intuitive
- Supports CT, MRI, PET, and ultrasound
- Offers multi-planar reconstruction (MPR)
2. Horos (MacOS)
- Open-source and powerful
- Built on OsiriX technology
- Ideal for education and small practices
3. MicroDicom (Windows)
- Simple and clean interface
- Great for basic image viewing and export
4. Weasis (Cross-platform)
- Java-based, suitable for hospitals and research
- Supports PACS integration
- Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
5. PostDICOM (Cloud-Based)
- Web-based platform
- Offers free cloud storage
- No need to install anything locally
Can Patients Use a DICOM Viewer?
Yes. Many patients receive their scans on a CD or USB drive. A free viewer lets them open and understand these images at home. While medical interpretation should be left to professionals, simply seeing your own scans helps you stay informed and involved.
The Role of DICOM in Telemedicine and Second Opinions
Free DICOM viewers have made it easier to get second opinions. You can upload your scans securely to a platform or send the files to an online radiologist. This is especially useful if:
- You’re unsure about your diagnosis
- You’re considering surgery
- You want peace of mind before treatment
News:
-
The effect of diabetes on plaque, stenosis, and coronary artery calcium score
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health issue and a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which contributes to up to 80 % of deaths in individuals with diabetes.1 The elevated risk is primarily due to hyperglycemia-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, leading to increased coronary plaque burden and rupture risk. Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) enables detailed assessment of plaque burden using metrics …
-
Absence of T2 flow voids in the vertebral arteries on cervical spine MRI in patients with trauma
Cervical spine trauma is a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality, often resulting in devastating neurological consequences [1]. Blunt vertebral artery (VA) injury is an increasingly recognized complication in patients with cervical spine trauma, with an incidence ranging up to 17 % [2]. The VAs are crucial vessels supplying blood flow to the brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. VA injuries are often initially asymptomatic but carry a significant stroke risk of 5.3 %, which can lead to…
-
Impact of spectrum bias on deep learning–based stroke MRI analysis
A diagnostic test typically involves defining thresholds to classify patients as healthy or sick [1]. This concept applies to both human-driven and machine-assisted diagnostic processes. However, diagnoses are constructed categories designed to classify complex pathological processes [2].
-
Comparison of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for management of malignant hilar biliary obstruction: Effects on inflammation and outcomes
Biliary obstructions are often caused by benign conditions such as choledocholithiasis (stones in the bile duct) and post-cholecystectomy strictures. However, malignant hilar biliary obstructions (MHBO) are associated with more severe conditions, including cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, lymphatic compression, or metastasis. These conditions contribute to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with biliary obstructions [1,2]. Curative surgical resection is the most effective m…
-
Ultrafast breast MRI may need to be reconsidered
Ultrafast MRI fell short of expectations when compared to DCE-MRI in terms of lesion conspicuity and classification.
-
CT-Based Risk Scoring System Outperforms AJCC TNM Staging for Predicting Recurrence of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
In comparison to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging, an emerging CT-based scoring system for assessing early recurrence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma demonstrated over a 22 percent higher AUC in testing and external validation cohorts in a new study.
-
Radiology Leader Brings Sustainability in Healthcare into Spotlight
tim.hodson
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 11:01
The issue of sustainability in healthcare has gained increasing focus over the past several years. During a 2022 plenary session at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Conference and Annual Meeting, Reed A. Omary, MD, MS, Professor of Radiology & Biomedical Engineering Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Founder & CEO, Greenwell Project, drew attention to the importance of understanding the impact of radiology as it r…
-
NewVue.ai, MD.AI Announce Integration Partnership
tim.hodson
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 10:11
May 6, 2025 — NewVue.ai, a leader in cloud-native radiology workflow orchestration, and MD.ai, a pioneer in AI-enhanced reporting, have announced an integration partnership that brings MD.ai’s structured reporting platform into NewVue’s EmpowerSuite.
The companies will demonstrate the integrated solution at SIIM 2025, showcasing how radiologists can now review AI outputs, access full clinical context, view images, and create reports—all in one coh… -
GE HealthCare Receives FDA Clearance for Aurora and Clarify DL
tim.hodson
Tue, 05/06/2025 – 09:44
May 5, 2025 — GE HealthCare recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance of its Aurora nuclear medicine system and Clarify DL.ii This advanced dual-head SPECT/CT is designed to enhance diagnostic capabilitiesi and streamline workflows, offering clinicians excellent image quality and operational efficiency.
“We are thrilled to be the first in the United States to adopt this incredibly impressive tech…