FITS to EXR — Format Comparison & Online Converter
Fast, instant FITS to OPENEXR conversion. No signup required. Just drop your .fits file and get .exr in seconds.
Batch Settings
About FITS to OPENEXR Conversion
FITS and EXR (introduced 2003) are both image formats, but they differ in important ways. FITS is a widely used file format. EXR (OpenEXR) is a high-dynamic-range format used in VFX, film, and 3D rendering pipelines.
When you convert FITS to EXR, the goal is to convert between formats quickly. Converting FITS to EXR maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings. Understanding these technical differences helps you choose the right format for your workflow.
Your FITS file is decoded and re-encoded as EXR. The conversion involves 4 steps: (1) your fits file is uploaded and validated, (2) the file is decoded (parsed into its raw data), (3) the data is re-encoded in exr format, (4) the converted file is ready for download.
CocoConvert's converter handles the entire pipeline server-side using FFmpeg, Sharp, and qpdf — battle-tested libraries used by streaming platforms and enterprise tools. Files are encrypted in transit and deleted within 24 hours.
This conversion is ideal when you When you need a EXR file. For the opposite direction, CocoConvert also supports EXR to FITS conversion.
How to Convert FITS to OPENEXR
- 1
Upload .fits file
Select your FITS file by dragging it to the upload zone or using the file picker. Batch upload is available for multiple files.
- 2
Choose .exr
Set EXR as the output format. The converter uses optimal settings based on the FITS→EXR conversion profile.
- 3
Convert
The server-side engine decodes your FITS file and re-encodes it as EXR. Processing time depends on file size and complexity.
- 4
Download result
Grab your converted .exr file. Multiple output files can be downloaded together.
What Happens When You Convert FITS to OPENEXR
Your FITS file is decoded and re-encoded as EXR.
Your FITS file is uploaded and validated
The file is decoded (parsed into its raw data)
The data is re-encoded in EXR format
The converted file is ready for download
Format Comparison
FITS
.fits file
| Extension | .fits |
| MIME Type | image/fits |
| Category | Image |
OpenEXR
.exr file
| Extension | .exr |
| MIME Type | image/x-exr |
| Category | Image |
Should You Convert FITS to OPENEXR?
When to Convert
- ✓When you need a EXR file
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FITS and EXR?
FITS is a widely used file format. EXR (OpenEXR) is a high-dynamic-range format used in VFX, film, and 3D rendering pipelines.
Does FITS to EXR conversion affect quality?
Converting FITS to EXR maintains high quality with CocoConvert's optimised encoder settings.
Which format has better compression, FITS or EXR?
FITS is a common image format. EXR uses both compression. The better choice depends on whether you prioritize file size or quality.
How long does FITS to EXR conversion take?
Most conversions finish in seconds. Larger files or complex image content may take 10–30 seconds. CocoConvert processes files in parallel for batch jobs.
Is FITS or EXR better for long-term storage?
Both formats use lossy compression, so consider keeping your original source file for long-term storage.
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