How to open .FITS files on Mac
To open .FITS files on Mac, control-click the .fits file and choose open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Control-click the .FITS file and choose Open With.
- Pick a compatible Mac application to open the file.
Recommended software
- Preview
- Photos
- GIMP
Alternative methods
- Open .FITS in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .FITS on Mac with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .FITS only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.FITS file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .FITS file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .FITS files from trusted senders.