Most computer users will never
encounter files in the specialty GEL format. The .gel file extension is
associated with customized TIFF images used by molecular dynamics
computer simulations. These files work much like ordinary TIFF graphics
files, but contain some extra information in the form of file tags.
Several applications can open GEL files.
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Molecular Dynamics
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Molecular dynamics refers to the computer simulation of the way molecules and atoms move. These simulations allow the atoms and molecules to interact for a specific time period. Molecular dynamics sees the most use in biomolecule modeling and materials science, but can be used in other disciplines. Programs for this type of simulation were first developed in the 1950s and 1960s.
GEL File Content
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Files with a .gel extension contain raster-type graphical images, also known as bitmap images. Like the related TIFF format, this file contains a set of pixels, and cannot easily be enlarged beyond its original size. GEL files can compress the data they contain, making them slightly more portable than uncompressed images. Unlike TIFF files, GEL images contain private tags that provide information to the molecular dynamics program.
Compatibility
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In addition to the molecular dynamics simulators that created it, a GEL file is also compatible with some other types of image editors. These include the XnView multimedia browser and converter, ACDSee image editor and ImageJ, a Java-based image processing and analysis tool.
Considerations
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Despite the GEL format's similarity to TIFF, programs that can open TIFF files are usually unable to open GEL files. This format uses a slightly different method of rendering grayscale images that regular image editors cannot understand. Unlike other TIFF variants, the GEL format does not allow the reader to ignore private tags, and stores them in an unusual location. If you need to open a GEL file in a standard image editor or viewer, convert it using a different program first.
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