The file extension ICM is associated with a variety of color management systems, including the Kodak Professional Color System. ICM stands for Image Color Matching which is used as a standardized format for color profiles to enable colors to be properly interpreted by a variety of devices.
ICM files use a standardized format to allow devices such as PC monitors, scanners, and color printers to load information from the ICM file. The color profiles are matched with a common profile to ensure color consistency across multiple devices and operating systems.
ICM files are also commonly integrated with the file extension ICC, and both file types are designed to handle color profiles. In addition to the Kodak Professional Color System and other color management systems, ICM files contain settings for the newer PC monitors that have Plug and Play specifications established by VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association). The settings allow for accurate calibration of color for computer monitors. Microsoft is also working with other companies such as Apple to include ICM files in software titles in order to support the standard ICM format across multiple platforms.
How to Open ICM Files
The file extension ICM is created by a variety of image editing and color utility programs and is used with the Windows operating system to assist you with adjusting the display using Display Properties in the Control Panel. There are a variety of methods you can use to open ICM files using different applications and operating systems.
For a Windows-based PC, you can open and edit ICM files using Adobe Photoshop CS6, which is part of the CS6 Creative Suite of applications by Adobe Systems. You can also use CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, PhotoME, MS RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer, or the Microsoft Color Control Panel to open and edit ICM files in Windows.
For Mac OS X, you can use Adobe Photoshop CS6 or Apple Aperture 3, which is a professional application that allows you to edit images created with photography devices. You can also use Apple ColorSync, which is a utility program standardized by the International Color Consortium (ICC), which is where the ICC file extension originates. Other programs such as iccToolBox Pro and ExitChanger will open ICM files on a Mac PC.
If you use the Linux operating system, you can open and view ICM files using GIMP, which is an open source image editing program similar to Adobe CS6. GIMP is available as a free download on the GIMP.org website and is also multiplatform and compatible with Windows and Mac OS X.
