File extension .ECW
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Compressed Wavelet Image Format | ERDAS | Raster Image Files |
The ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet Image) file extension is used for storing image files, developed by ERDAS. It is used for compressing aerial and satellite imagery, creating much smaller file sizes without significant loss of image quality. ECW files are well supported by multiple GIS and CAD software products, such as Safe Software FME, ESRI ArcGIS, Global Mapper, CADCorp SIS, PCI Geomatics Image Components Suite, and more. ECW files have a data compression ratio of up to 25:1, which allows a user to reduce the size of an image from hundreds of megabytes to megabytes, and even kilobytes.
ECW files support a wide range of advanced color depths and data types including 8, 16, 32 bit integer, 8bit unsigned integer, 32 bit float, etc. To open an ECW file users have three options. One is use one of the applications mentioned above, or any other application that supports this format. Users can also use ERDAS Imagine, which is the official application for this file type. And finally they can use a compatible file viewer such as GeoViewer. Other file extensions related to ECW include ECWP, .JP2, .JPC, .JPF, and .J2K.
ECW File Structure & Content Encoding
All ECW images are encoded in the popular wavelet compression algorithm that uses successive refinement techniques to remove background noise and enhance detail in areas with detailed objects. The structure of ECW files contains different elements such as header information, palette information, and wavelet encoded image data. Header information include details about the contents encoding like pixel width and height in pixels, color mode (48-bit RGB, 24-bit RGB, etc.), background coloring info, version flags for the ECW file type, and other information.
Compatibility & Other Details
ECW (Enhanced Compression Wavelet Format) image files are compatible with Microsoft Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.7+, iOS devices running iOS 5+, Android devices running 4.4+, web browsers such as Chrome 20+, Firefox 21+, Edge 14+ and Internet Explorer 9+. The latest version of this format was released in 2004 as part of ERDAS' Image Compressor 3.9 suite.
Programs for WINDOWS system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .ECW) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .ECW extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .ECW file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .ECW extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .ECW extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .ECW file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .ECW file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .ECW file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .ECW file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .ECW file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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