Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.BIL
File Type
Band Interleaved by Line
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .bil file format
The .bil file extension represents a Band Interleaved by Line raster image file. This format is commonly used in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to store multi-band image data, such as satellite imagery or aerial photography. In a BIL file, the data for each line (row) of th…
File extension
.BIL
File type
Band Interleaved by Line
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .bil file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .bil.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .bil file?
File extension details and usage information
The .bil file extension represents a Band Interleaved by Line raster image file. This format is commonly used in remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) to store multi-band image data, such as satellite imagery or aerial photography. In a BIL file, the data for each line (row) of the image is stored sequentially, with the values for each band interleaved within that line. For example, if you have a three-band image (red, green, blue), the data for the first line would be stored as R1, G1, B1, R2, G2, B2, R3, G3, B3, and so on, where R1, G1, B1 are the red, green, and blue values for the first pixel of the first line, and R2, G2, B2 are the red, green, and blue values for the second pixel of the first line. This organization allows for efficient access to data for a specific line and band, which is useful for many image processing algorithms. BIL files typically do not contain georeferencing information directly within the file itself; this information is usually stored in a separate header file (e.g., a .hdr file) or associated metadata. The data within the .bil file is often stored as binary data, representing pixel values as integers or floating-point numbers.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .bil files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .bil files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .bil file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .bil file.
Why can't I open a .bil file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .bil format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .bil files
To open a .bil file, use software that supports this file format.
- ENVI
- ArcGIS Pro
- QGIS
- Global Mapper
- ERDAS IMAGINE
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .bil file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.