_FLAT File

What are _FLAT files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a _FLAT file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your _FLAT files.

What is a _FLAT file?

A ._FLAT file is an Omicron Flat SPM Data file.

Omicron Flat SPM Data files store two-dimensional scanning probe microscopy (SPM) data produced by Scienta-Omicron instruments in a "flat" binary format. They are used to save topographic or similar image-mode measurements as numeric height (or signal) values arranged in a grid so that surface features can be visualized and further analyzed. These files allow SPM data to be handled more simply than multi-part formats by containing image data in one file rather than splitting metadata and separate channel files.

These files are typically created by Scienta-Omicron or processed by tools like Gwyddion's "omicronflat" module when exporting or converting SPM images. The numeric grid inside represents signal values from each pixel, and software reading these files treats them as single-channel (height or intensity) image data. These flat files are imported for visualization, filtering, making surface plots, or preparing data for publication or further measurement comparison.

The file begins with the ASCII signature FLAT0100 at offset zero. This identifies the format uniquely among Omicron data types. See the evidence block for the exact byte signature.

How to open _FLAT files

Important: Different programs may use files with the _FLAT file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your _FLAT file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 14, 2026

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