Image file format - VSI

The VSI image file format is one of the default file formats for saving images.

Loading VSI images into other application programs

VSI file format

The VSI file format is an image file format exclusive for your software. For this reason, an image file in the VSI format can't be opened with any other program.

The VSI file format is based on the TIF format. When you use the VSI file format, all information about the camera used, the image resolution, the acquisition date, and annotations and drawing objects is automatically saved along with the actual image information.

No restrictions concerning file size

In contrast to TIF images, the file size of VSI images is not restricted to 2 gigabytes per image. This is due to the fact that a special file management system is used that makes it possible to save images of almost any file size.

Any image larger than 2 gigabytes has to be saved as a VSI file, as only this format supports such a large image size. In addition VSI guarantees quick access to the image because only necessary image information is loaded into RAM.

Directory structure of VSI images

The directory structure of VSI images depends on their size. To save small images, only a single VSI file is created. For larger images, however, a subfolder will be created in addition to the VSI file. The subfolder's name and the file name are identical. Keep this in mind when making a backup copy of your VSI file. The subfolder must always be saved in conjunction with the VSI file.

Irrespective of the directory structure used to save the images, the procedure for opening one is always the same: You select the File > Open > Image... command and select the required VSI file.

Loading VSI images into other application programs

VSI images can be so large that other application programs cannot load them. Should you anyway want to load them into other application programs, you will, in most cases, have to reduce the file size. To do this, you have the following options.

Note: Using the possibilities listed below, as a rule, will result in a loss of data. You will only then retain all of the VSI image's data when you use either the TIF or VSI file format to save them.

Copying the image as it is currently displayed to the clipboard

Copy only the image area that is currently on display in the image document to the clipboard. The resolution of the image in the clipboard will then be automatically reduced to the screen resolution. To do so, use the Edit > Copy Display to Clipboard command. You can find more information on this command here.

Saving an image in another image format

You can save an image loaded in your software's document group in a different format. To do this, use the File > Save as... command, and select another file type as Virtual Slide Image (*.vsi) in the Save as type field.

A VSI image may be too large to be saved in another file format. In this case. you'll be asked whether you want to reduce the size of the image file.

Note: Should you save the VSI image in a file format in which only one image (not several images) can be saved, e.g., BMP, JPG, JP2, or PNG, only the first image will be saved.

00259 20092012