raster format

What is a .FITS file?

FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) is the standard format of astronomy, storing telescope and scientific image data with extensive metadata headers.

Full name
Flexible Image Transport System
Developed by
NASA / IAU
Released
1981
Extension
.fits
MIME type
image/fits
Transparency
Varies

How to open a FITS file

FITS opens in astronomy software like SAOImage DS9, FITS Liberator and Astropy; convert to PNG/TIFF to view normally.

What FITS files are used for

Photos & web images

Share, post and embed pictures across sites and apps.

Editing & design

Work with the format in editors like Photoshop and GIMP.

Storage & archiving

Keep memories and assets in a widely-readable form.

Strengths & limitations

✔ Strengths✖ Limitations
Purpose-built for its nicheNo transparency support
Limited support — may need converting

Need more than a conversion?

Remove the background from FITS images, upscale to 4K, or generate new visuals with SharkFoto AI.

Frequently asked questions

FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) is the standard format of astronomy, storing telescope and scientific image data with extensive metadata headers.

FITS opens in astronomy software like SAOImage DS9, FITS Liberator and Astropy; convert to PNG/TIFF to view normally.

FITS is optimised for its specific use rather than strictly lossless storage.

Use SharkFoto's free tools — upload your FITS file and convert it to a more convenient format in seconds. It's free, processed securely and never stored.

No — FITS doesn't store transparency; convert to PNG or WEBP if you need it.