How to Open an ECW File

The file extension ECW stands for Enhanced Compression Wavelet. ECW files are compressed raster images. This means they are made up of different colored dots, or pixels, and are designed to take up less space on your hard drive than non-compressed images. The ECW format Earth Resource Mapping for storing satellite and aerial map images. If you work with ECW files frequently, you may wish to purchase a program that can edit them. If you just need to view an ECW file, there are a few free options.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Download and install a free image viewer that can open ECW images, such as TatukGIS Viewer or IrfanView. Alternatively, purchase and install a graphics program that can open and edit ECW files, such as TatukGIS, Erdas Imagine or Canvas 12.
   • 2
     Right-click the ECW file and click "Open With," then click "Choose default program."
   • 3
     Select the program you installed in Step 1, then click "OK" to open the file.