IIQ File

What are IIQ files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an IIQ 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 IIQ files.

What is an IIQ file?

An .IIQ file is an Intelligent Image Quality - Phase One RAW Image file.

Intelligent Image Quality (IIQ) is Phase One's proprietary RAW image format designed for high-end digital backs and aerial imaging systems. It records the sensor's unprocessed data exactly as captured - with full dynamic range - alongside essential metadata such as calibration info, exposure settings, orientation, and georeferencing. Users benefit from the flexibility to adjust white balance, exposure, radiometry and to apply later processing with minimal loss.

Phase One cameras or digital backs produce IIQ files during image capture. Within Phase One's tools or SDKs, such files can be decoded into Bayer-format sensor data and converted into standard RGB images. IIQ supports different modes: fully lossless (IIQ L) versions preserve every bit of sensor data, while "Smart" or "Small" IIQ variants use near-lossless or slightly lossy compression to reduce file size and speed up capture rates, with minimal visual difference in typical use.

Technically the IIQ file usually contains Bayer-pattern raw image data, compressed (lossless or near-lossless depending on format variant), plus embedded metadata and a preview image for rapid inspection. Tools in Phase One's ImageSDK can open IIQ files either from storage or memory buffer, read width, height, sensor area, extract previews, and decompress or convert the Bayer data.

Byte signature(s): files begin with ASCII bytes "II*" (0x49492A00) at offset 0, and include the string "IIIICwaR" (0x4949494943776152) at offset 8. (These identify the format within the file.)

How to open IIQ files

We have identified two IIQ openers that are compatible with this specific type of IIQ file.

Programs that open Intelligent Image Quality - Phase One RAW Image files

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of IIQ files. Remember, different programs may use IIQ files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

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