Interactive stretch
Preview non-linear transformations in real time and explore faint structures without losing control over the brighter regions of the frame.
Astronomical FITS workflow
A FITS viewer and stretch tool built for real astronomical datasets.
FITS Liberator 5 makes it practical to inspect, stretch, and export astronomical FITS files without reducing the workflow to command-line friction. It is built for large images, fast visual feedback, and cross-platform delivery.
Windows, macOS, Linux
43 GB tested dataset size
12 gigapixels tested image scale
Designed to bridge raw FITS data and the image-processing stage where astronomers and outreach teams need responsive control.
Stretch
Interactive preview and dynamic-range shaping for faint structures and bright cores.
Scale
Handles very large FITS frames, mosaics, and demanding astronomy workflows.
Export
TIFF output for downstream editing and publication pipelines.
Key capabilities
Built for the part of the workflow where data becomes an image
The application is meant to stay useful between scientific data access and final image finishing, not just to open files and stop there.
Large-image handling
Open very large astronomical datasets with an interface designed to remain usable even when the image scale becomes the real problem.
TIFF export
Produce output that can move cleanly into standard graphics and publishing workflows, including high-bit-depth exports.
Cross-platform delivery
Keep the same software available across Windows, macOS, and Linux instead of forcing different workflows on different teams.
Project context
Developed with NOIRLab for contemporary astronomy outreach needs
FITS Liberator 5 was developed in collaboration with the U.S. National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, with the goal of supporting modern astronomical image production and very large observation outputs.
Short presentation of FITS Liberator 5 in use.
Next step
Need the installers or the release history?
Use the dedicated pages for downloads and release notes. They now follow the same standalone layout and are optimized as separate landing pages.