lookup> .img

.IMG·File Extension

Disk ImageRaw disk image file.

Data & Textapplication/octet-streamCompressible
Extension.img
File typeDisk Image
CategoryData & Text
Charset
CompressibleYes
Format familydisk

What is a .img file?

A .img file is a Disk Image — Raw disk image file.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/octet-stream, and it is marked as compressible. When serving .img over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/octet-stream — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use 7-Zip or balenaEtcher to open and edit .img files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: application/octet-stream

Common software that reads/writes .img:

7-ZipbalenaEtcherdd
.imgextension of
format
diskserved as
mime type
application/octet-streamsent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with 7-Zip, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .img extension, or export this format from 7-Zip.

What programs can open .img files?

Common options include 7-Zip, balenaEtcher, dd. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .img file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .img extension.

What is the relationship between .img and the application/octet-stream MIME type?

application/octet-stream is the media type identifier used for .img files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-08-18

Related extensions

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