Working with DICOM Images

Working with DICOM Images

Working with DICOM Images

Commonly used in medical imaging, DICOM (DIC) files can be imported into Canvas X Draw for further study. Combine the DICOM import filter with the Canvas X Draw tools, various image filters and adjustments along with its slide show capabilities to create dynamic medical presentations. You can even export your findings to HTML.

DICOM Import Options

A DICOM file may consist of one or many images. Canvas X Draw can read DICOM files as follows:

  • RGB images are imported as RGB and grayscale are imported as grayscale.
  • Indexed images are converted to RGB.
  • Depending on the image’s range, it will be converted to 8 bit, 16 bit, 32 bit, or 64 bit images.

To Import DICOM Files:

  1. Choose File | Open, File | Place, or Image | Import.
  2. In the DICOM Import Options dialog box, select one or more of the following:
    • Distribute among layers: Select this option to place each image on a separate layer in the same document.
    • Stack together: Select this option to place the images on top of each other.
    • Create spreadsheet: Select this option to create a matrix of the various images. Define the number of rows and columns.
    • Create animation/slide show: Select this option if you want to create a presentation or export as an AVI file.
    • File Version: Select either Default, DICOM v.3, or DICOM v.2 (NEMA).
    • Image Structure: Select either Default, Little Endian, or Big Endian.
    1. Window Center/Width: This option allows you to adjust the level settings of the image so you can optimize image contrast upon import for improved image analysis. Select None from the menu if you want no level setting adjustment. Select Default to use the values within the image itself. Select New Preset to create a user-defined setting.

When you open or place a DICOM file with multiple frames, the Frame Alignment options are enabled.

To Create a User-Defined Setting:

Enter values in the Center and Width fields. Click Save and enter a name in the dialog box.

When creating settings, try to use a name that relates to its use.

To Apply a User-Defined Setting:

Open the menu and select the setting and then click OK.

    • Recent Articles

    • Privacy at a Glance: Vector GFX Data Handling

      Privacy at a Glance: Vector GFX Data Handling Feature Standard License Air-Gapped License Who can see your files? Only You. Vector GFX has zero access to your drawings or IP. Only You. Vector GFX has zero access to your drawings or IP. What user info ...

    • Vector GFX Support Policy Summary

      Vector GFX Support Policy Summary: Stay Current! To ensure you are running the most secure, stable, and feature-rich version of Vector GFX, we maintain a clear N-1 Support Model. This means we focus our resources on supporting the latest technology, ...

    • Security and Trust: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Security & Trust 1. CMMC & Government Compliance Does Vector GFX comply with CMMC 2.0 requirements? Yes. Vector GFX aligns its internal operations and secure development lifecycle with NIST SP 800-171, the foundation ...

    • Security and Trust: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Security & Trust 1. CMMC & Government Compliance Does Vector GFX comply with CMMC 2.0 requirements? Yes. Vector GFX aligns its internal operations and secure development lifecycle with NIST SP 800-171, the foundation ...

    • Vector GFX Customer Trust & Security Policy

      Vector GFX Customer Trust & Security Policy Last Updated: February 20, 2026 Overview At Vector GFX, we understand that our technical illustration software—including canvasxdraw—is a mission-critical tool for your engineering and design workflows. ...

    • Related Articles

    • Paint Objects and Images

      Paint Objects and Images A paint object is a Canvas X Draw object that contains an image. Paint objects are always rectangular and the same size as the images they contain. Images are pictures defined by pixels. A scanned photo, TIFF, or Photoshop ...

    • Paint Objects and Images

      Paint Objects and Images A paint object is a Canvas X Draw object that contains an image. Paint objects are always rectangular and the same size as the images they contain. Images are pictures defined by pixels. A scanned photo, TIFF, or Photoshop ...

    • Paint Objects and Images

      Paint Objects and Images A paint object is a Canvas X Draw object that contains an image. Paint objects are always rectangular and the same size as the images they contain. Images are pictures defined by pixels. A scanned photo, TIFF, or Photoshop ...

    • Paint Objects and Images

      Paint Objects and Images A paint object is a Canvas X Draw object that contains an image. Paint objects are always rectangular and the same size as the images they contain. Images are pictures defined by pixels. A scanned photo, TIFF, or Photoshop ...

    • Selecting Pixels in Images

      Selecting Pixels in Images When a paint object is in Edit mode, any filters, commands, and painting tools that you apply can affect the entire image. When you have selected pixels in the image, the effect of a tool, filter, or other adjustment is ...

    • Popular Articles

    • Exciting Users for Mac Users!

      Exciting news for Mac users! The first universal native app is in developemt! This new version will be compatable with all macOS versions and chipsets. We expect to release in March of 2026. More to come, stay tuned for updates!! - Vector GFX Team

    • Welcome to Vector GFX!

      Please bear with us as we are busy updating all of our help content. If you need immeadiate assistance submit a ticket at https://vgfxsupport.zohodesk.com/portal/en/newticket or e-mail info@vectorgfx.net. Other important links: New Website: ...

    • Vector GFX: Quality Assurance Program Overview

      Vector GFX: Quality Assurance Program Overview At Vector GFX, we are committed to delivering high-performance, stable desktop solutions. Because our software resides directly on our customers' local environments, our Quality Assurance (QA) program ...

    • How many computers can I put a license on?

      Overview: Each license can only be used to register the program on two computers. If you are looking to get more than one license, we can offer a discount for multiple licenses. Please contact our sales department at sales@vectorgfx.net. Applies To: ...

    • What is the difference between Canvas X Draw and Canvas X Pro (Canvas GFX)?