Written by
Yvonne Feng
Summary: What is an ITHMB file? This post from iBoysoft provides a comprehensive explanation of it. Additionally, you'll learn how to open and delete ITHMB files on Mac.
What is an ITHMB file? Is there a way to open the ITHMB file on Mac? Sure! In this guide, we'll explain what ITHMB files are, how to open them on Mac, and how to convert them into standard formats like JPEG or PNG.
What is an ITHMB file?
ITHMB files are a proprietary image format used by Apple devices, primarily for storing photo thumbnails. Unlike standard image formats such as JPEG or PNG, ITHMB files cannot be opened or edited directly on a Mac.
The primary purpose of ITHMB files is to provide quick photo previews while optimizing storage and performance. In other words, when you browse your photo library, the system loads thumbnails from the ITHMB file first, reducing load times and conserving device resources.
Typically, these files are stored in the internal storage of iOS devices, within iTunes backup folders, or on older iPod models. If you're looking for ways to open ITHMB files on a Mac, keep reading—we've outlined detailed methods below.
How to open ITHMB files on Mac?
ITHMB files are a proprietary format Apple devices use to store photo thumbnails. macOS does not support opening these files directly, so you need to use third-party tools to view or convert them. Here are some effective methods to access ITHMB files on a Mac.
Method 1: Use a Dedicated ITHMB File Viewer
The easiest way to open ITHMB files is by using specialized software designed to extract and display images from these files.
File Juicer – A Mac-exclusive tool that extracts images from ITHMB files and converts them into JPEG or PNG, allowing for easy viewing.
XnView – A cross-platform image viewer that supports multiple file formats, including ITHMB. It can be used for both opening and converting these files.
Method 2: Convert ITHMB Files to JPEG/PNG
If your goal is to recover images from an ITHMB file, you'll need a conversion tool like iThmb Converter. This software allows you to convert ITHMB files into standard formats such as JPEG or PNG, making them viewable on macOS without additional software.
Method 3: Extract Images from an iTunes Backup
If your ITHMB files were extracted from an old iTunes backup, you can bypass them entirely by using backup extraction tools like iBackup Viewer or PhoneRescue. These programs scan your backup files and help recover full-resolution images without needing to manually handle ITHMB files.
These are three common methods to open ITHMB files on Mac. If you found this guide helpful, don't forget to share it with others who might need it!
Can I delete ITHMB files on Mac?
Yes, you can delete ITHMB files on Mac. These files are not the original images but rather thumbnails used to speed up photo browsing, so deleting them won't affect your actual photos.
If these files are stored on your Mac, an external hard drive, or extracted from an iTunes backup, they are no longer needed by your device and can be safely deleted.
Here is how to delete ITHMB files on Mac.
- Open Finder and search for .ITHMB files—they are usually located in iTunes backup folders or on external storage devices.
- Select the files and drag them to the Trash.
- Right-click the Trash icon and choose "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the files.
Share this article with your friends if you have learned how to open and delete ITHMB files.
