VIPS Converter

What is a VIPS file?
A VIPS file is the native raster format of libvips — a high-performance image processing library. It stores images in a simple, headerless, raw binary format: pixel data laid out in scanline order, typically as 8-bit or 16-bit RGB/RGBA/grayscale. .v or .vips extensions are used, but no official standard exists — it’s primarily an intermediate/cache format for libvips workflows.

What is a VIPS file used for?

• Fast temporary storage during libvips processing (e.g., vips copy input.jpg cache.v)
• Pipeline staging in high-throughput image servers (e.g., Thumbor, Sharp)
• Debugging raw pixel output from libvips commands
• Avoiding encode/decode overhead in batch processing

How to open a VIPS file?

• libvips tools: vips copy file.v output.png
• GIMP/IrfanView/XnView: Only via Raw data import — must know width, height, channels, bit depth
• Python: Load with NumPy (np.fromfile) + reshape manually
• ⚠️ Not supported by standard image viewers — no metadata or header

Is a VIPS file an image file?
Technically yes — but not a practical exchange format. It’s raw pixel data only; no self-description.

File format details

• Format type: Raw raster (intermediate)
• Data stored: Uncompressed pixel values (no header)
• Primary use: libvips processing cache / pipeline buffer
• Platforms: Cross-platform (used internally by libvips)