What Is a THM File Format: Complete Guide and Tutorial

If you often work with photos or videos from your camera, you may notice files with a .thm file extension. But what is a THM file exactly? These are small thumbnail images automatically saved alongside your main video files. They help speed up playback and preview. This article is your complete guide to understanding THM files, including how they’re saved, whether you should delete them, and their importance for camera and video files.

Key takeaways

• What is THM file: It is a low-resolution thumbnail image for videos and photos.
• They help speed up playback and navigation in camera apps and editing software.
• THM files can be safely deleted without affecting the original media.
• Converting THM files to JPEG is simple with online tools.

The Short Version

THM files are JPG thumbnails saved alongside video files, mainly used as preview images. They help speed up playback in camera apps or software programs. These files are automatically generated and can be deleted without affecting the video itself. Editing software may also regenerate them as needed.

What Are THM Files?

THM files are small thumbnail images that accompany video files. The THM file format has the .thm file extension and is automatically created by digital cameras and programs. These files contain low-resolution previews of videos, designed to facilitate fast playback and easier navigation. Commonly found alongside video files, such as those from GoPro or other cameras, THM files are saved in the same folder as the original videos.

Technical Characteristics of THM Files

Here are the key characteristics to know about:

• The THM file stores a low-resolution version of a video’s first frame or a dedicated preview image.
• THM files are typically named to match the main video file name, with the .thm extension added (e.g., video.mp4 and video.thm).
• These are compressed binary files in JPEG format, with a standard resolution of 160 x 120 pixels.
• THM files are used in camera apps, programs, and editing software for quick previewing during playback.
• Deleting THM files does not affect the video; some programs (like GoPro apps) may regenerate them if needed for playback or thumbnail previews.

Why Do Digital Cameras Create THM Files?

Digital cameras create THM files to improve the efficiency of media playback and navigation. These files serve as preview images that allow users to quickly see thumbnails of videos without the need to load the full file.

From a technical perspective, the THM file format is often paired with LRV files (low-resolution video), as seen in GoPro cameras, to optimize playback speed. These files are generated automatically, saved alongside the main video or photo, and support smoother viewing in GoPro apps and other editing software.

How to Open THM Files

How to open thm files? It is easy and can be done using several methods, depending on your device and needs.

Opening THM Files as JPEG files

Since THM files are generated as compressed JPEG images, you can easily open them with any standard image viewer, such as Windows Photos, Preview on Mac, or even on your phone. These viewers support JPEG files, so you’ll be able to preview the thumbnail images without any issues.

Applications and Software for THM Files

For more advanced work with THM files, you can use GoPro apps, Adobe Photoshop, or other editing software that support THM and LRV files. These programs allow you to browse, manage, and even use the thumbnails in combination with videos for a smoother viewing experience.

Multiple Uses of THM File Extension

The THM file extension isn’t limited to video thumbnails; it has multiple uses depending on the software. While video thumbnail files are the most common, THM files can also represent various themes and formats, including:

• Costa Theme
• Program Manager Eternity Theme
• QuickCrt Theme
• Sony Ericsson Mobile Theme
• StarOffice Gallery Theme

Converting THM Files to Other Formats

If you need better compatibility across devices, converting THM files to common image formats like JPG or PNG is easy. Cool Utils online conversion service offers a simple solution. Here’s how to convert your video thumbnail images:

• Upload your THM files to the Cool Utils website.
  
• Select the output format (e.g., JPG or PNG).
  
• Adjust settings if necessary, such as image resolution.
• Download the converted file once the process is complete.
  

For users with many files, the batch processing feature allows you to convert multiple THM files at once, saving time and ensuring efficiency without affecting the original files.

What Happens if You Delete THM Files?

Deleting THM files won’t affect your original video or photo files. These thumbnail images are separate, low-resolution previews created for quicker browsing and playback. If you remove them, the video or image will simply take longer to load in programs or apps that rely on the thumbnails, but it will still function normally.

Do You Need to Keep THM Files?

It depends on your purpose. If you edit footage using professional video editing software on your PC, you don’t need to keep THM files. However, if you frequently use camera companion apps or software, it’s recommended to keep them. Deleting THM files may force the app to regenerate them, which can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have many files.

THM File Handling Best Practices

To manage THM files efficiently, keep your workflow organized. If you use camera apps often, keep the THM files to avoid lengthy regeneration times. For video editors, you can delete them since they won’t affect your edits. Regularly check your folders and consider batch deleting or organizing them into separate folders for easier access. This helps keep things tidy while saving storage space.

Conclusion

THM files are small thumbnail images that enhance video playback and organization, especially in camera apps and editing software. While not essential for video editing, they play a key role in quick navigation and previewing. Knowing when to keep or delete these files can help streamline your workflow and manage storage effectively.

FAQs

Is it okay to delete thm files?

Yes, deleting THM files won’t affect your original video or image. However, it may slow down preview loading.

What is the difference between JPG and THM?

JPG files are standard image formats, while THM files are low-resolution JPEG thumbnails used as previews for video or photo files.

How to convert a thm file to a JPEG?

You can convert THM files to JPEG using online tools like Cool Utils. Simply upload the file, choose JPEG as the output format, and download the converted file.

How do I open a LRV and THM file?

To open LRV and THM files, use video or image viewer apps like GoPro apps or Windows Photos.