Which free DICOM viewer should I choose?#
Which free DICOM viewer fits your task?#
For a hospital CD, downloaded MRI or CT folder, start with the complete study folder. The useful differences are how you open it, which tools you need, and what you want to save afterwards.
Open a scan today#
Choose OpenMyScan for a local browser workflow with no account, comparison, contrast controls and four export formats.
Open the free viewerUse a desktop toolkit#
MicroDicom is free for personal Windows use. RadiAnt is a paid Windows option; OsiriX MD is a paid Mac application. All three offer advanced tools.
Compare desktop optionsNeed MPR or 3D?#
Compare MicroDicom, OsiriX MD and RadiAnt for reconstruction tools. Check license terms and compatibility with your study.
Compare the featuresOpen your scan. Skip the software setup.#
If you want to see your own scans and save a few images, you can start right here. OpenMyScan works in your browser, with comparison and contrast controls included. There is no separate viewer to download, install or update.
- Nothing to installOpen the website and choose your scan folder. Keep your browser up to date, as usual.
- No account to createNo registration, password or email confirmation before you can view your files.
- Viewing and exports are freeJPEG, PNG, PDF and MP4 are included. No subscription or export upgrade. MP4 needs a compatible browser.
- Your scans stay localView files on your own device without uploading the scans to a server.
DICOM viewer comparison: price, setup and export#
OpenMyScan is completely free. MicroDicom is free for noncommercial use; OsiriX MD and RadiAnt are paid desktop alternatives. All four offer local file viewing and contrast controls. Installation and export formats differ. “Not verified” means the reviewed documentation did not establish the feature; it does not prove the feature is unavailable.
Scroll horizontally to compare all viewers →
| What matters | OpenMyScan | MicroDicom | OsiriX MD | RadiAnt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free to use | ✓100% freeAll features; no paid tier | !Free for noncommercial useCommercial use is paid | ×Paid licenseMD is paid; Lite is a separate free demo | ×Commercial; free trialPaid license for a set period |
| No viewer download or installation | ✓Nothing to installOpen in your browser | ×Download requiredPortable version avoids installation | ×Mac installationDownload and install OsiriX MD | ×Windows installationDownload and install the viewer |
| No account to start | ✓No accountOpen your files immediately | !Noncommercial modeConfirm noncommercial use; no account signup in this workflow | ×Purchase accountAccount provides download and registration details | !Trial without signupTrial activation required; paid licensing is separate |
| No scan upload needed | ✓Local processingFiles stay on your device | ✓Local filesOpen files, folders or discs | ✓Local filesLocal import; internet connection still required | ✓Local filesOpen studies on your computer |
| Image export | ✓JPEG · PNGIncluded free | ✓JPEG · PNGOther image formats also documented | ✓JPEG · PNGOther image formats also documented | ✓JPEG · BMPPNG not listed in export manual |
| ✓Included freeExport selected images as a document | ?Not verifiedCreating PDFs from images not established in reviewed docs | !PDF through printingOlder guide documents macOS printing; current direct export unverified | ?Not listedNot listed in image-export manual | |
| Video export | ✓MP4Requires browser H.264 encoding support | ✓MP4 · WMV · AVISeries and multiframe export | ✓QuickTime · MPEG4Movie exports listed in the technical sheet | ✓MP4 · WMVMP4 documented for Windows 7 and newer |
| Compare & contrast | ✓Included freeCompare mode and brightness/contrast controls | ✓IncludedViews side by side, synchronization, window/level | ✓IncludedStudy comparison and window/level | ✓IncludedMultiple series, synchronization, window/level |
DICOM export: JPEG, PNG, PDF and MP4#
A compact picture for a message or presentation. JPEG compression can discard detail; keep your original DICOM files.
A lossless picture of the exported view. Useful for a clear still image, but it does not preserve the whole DICOM study.
Put selected images into a document that is easy to open or print. A PDF of pictures is not the original scan or a radiology report.
Show a sequence of slices as a video. OpenMyScan needs a browser with H.264 encoding support; availability varies by browser and device.
For a doctor or second opinion, ask for the required format before sending pictures. Keep the complete original DICOM study: image, document and video exports do not preserve all its data.
Does an online viewer upload my scans?#
A browser viewer can process files on your computer or send them to a server. Check the specific product and the action you are using: local viewing and cloud sharing are different workflows. OpenMyScan processes scans locally for viewing. Installed viewers can also open local files without an upload.
Before you open a hospital CD or download#
Copy the complete folder from the disc, or extract the full ZIP download. Keep DICOMDIR and the image folders together. If files fail to load, check for missing files or an unsupported encoding before buying another viewer.
OpenMyScan’s viewer requires a window at least 1200 pixels wide. Use a desktop or laptop with enough screen space. Viewing your scan does not interpret the findings or replace the report and your clinician’s advice.
Common questions#
Is OpenMyScan completely free?
Yes. Viewing, compare mode, contrast controls, JPEG, PNG, PDF and MP4 export are free, with no account, subscription or paid tier. MP4 export requires browser H.264 encoding support.
Which free DICOM viewer works on Mac?
OpenMyScan runs in a desktop browser without installation. OsiriX MD is a paid Mac application; the separate OsiriX Lite edition is offered as a free demo.
Do I need to upload my MRI or CT scan?
No. OpenMyScan processes scans locally for viewing. MicroDicom, OsiriX MD and RadiAnt can also open local files without an upload. Check individual cloud-sharing features separately.
Can I send exported pictures to my doctor?
Ask the receiving practice which format it needs. JPEG, PNG, PDF and MP4 exports are convenient for viewing, but do not preserve all the original DICOM data. Keep the complete study for medical review.
Does a free viewer replace a radiologist?
No. Opening or adjusting the display of your images does not interpret the findings. Use your radiology report and speak with your clinician about what the scan means.