# Orthanc

> lightweight DICOM server

**Wikidata**: [Q7104382](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7104382)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthanc_(server))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/orthanc-q7104382

## Summary
Orthanc is a lightweight, cross-platform DICOM server designed for use in medical imaging and science. It is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License version 3.0 and was created by Belgian computer scientist Sébastien Jodogne.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Application, free software, and cross-platform DICOM server.
- **Creator:** Sébastien Jodogne, a Belgian computer scientist.
- **License:** GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3.0.
- **Operating Systems:** Runs on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 1.12.9, released on August 11, 2025.
- **File Formats:** Capable of reading Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files and writing Portable Network Graphics (PNG).
- **Source Control:** Uses Mercurial for its source code repository.
- **Official Resources:** Includes an official forum on Google Groups and a user manual known as the "Orthanc Book."

## FAQs
### Q: What operating systems support Orthanc?
A: Orthanc is a cross-platform application that supports Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is also available as a package for various distributions including Debian, openSUSE, and Arch Linux (AUR).

### Q: Who developed Orthanc and under what license?
A: Orthanc was developed by computer scientist Sébastien Jodogne. It is released as free software under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3.0.

### Q: What file formats can Orthanc handle?
A: Orthanc is designed to read Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files. It also has the capability to write files in the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format.

## Why It Matters
Orthanc serves as a critical tool in the fields of medical imaging and science by providing a lightweight and accessible DICOM server solution. Its primary significance lies in its status as free software, licensed under the GNU GPL v3.0, which allows for transparency and broad implementation across different computing environments. By supporting multiple operating systems—including Windows, macOS, and Linux—it ensures that medical professionals and researchers can manage DICOM files regardless of their hardware infrastructure.

The project addresses the need for a standalone application that can handle complex medical imaging data. Its ability to read DICOM files and output PNGs facilitates the transition of medical data into common web-friendly formats. Furthermore, its availability across numerous package managers like FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Debian highlights its integration into the broader open-source ecosystem. As a "lightweight" server, it offers a streamlined alternative to more cumbersome imaging systems, making it a versatile choice for various scientific and clinical applications.

## Notable For
- **Lightweight Architecture:** Specifically designed as a lightweight DICOM server for medical imaging and science.
- **Broad Platform Compatibility:** Operates across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with specific ports for FreeBSD and OpenBSD.
- **Open Source Integrity:** Maintained as free software under the GNU GPL v3.0 with a public Mercurial repository.
- **Format Conversion:** Provides the specific utility of reading DICOM files and writing them as PNG images.

## Body

### Technical Specifications and Versioning
Orthanc is an application categorized as free software and a cross-platform DICOM server. As of late 2025, the software has reached version 1.12.9 (stable), which was released on August 11, 2025. Previous stable versions include 1.12.7 (April 2025), 1.12.2 (December 2023), and 1.11.3 (February 2023). The project maintains its source code in a Mercurial repository.

### Platform Support and Distribution
The software is designed to be cross-platform, with official support for:
- **Microsoft Windows:** Operating systems family since 1985.
- **macOS:** Operating systems family since 2001.
- **Linux:** Supported via various distribution packages.

Distribution is handled through various channels, including the Arch User Repository (AUR) under the package name "orthanc," the FreeBSD ports collection (science/orthanc), and the OpenBSD ports (graphics/orthanc/server). It is also available as a stable package for Debian and openSUSE.

### Functional Capabilities
Orthanc is primarily used for medical imaging and scientific research. Its core functionality involves:
- **Input:** Reading Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files.
- **Output:** Writing Portable Network Graphics (PNG) files.

The software is distinct from other entities such as Isengard. Users can access documentation via the "Orthanc Book" (user manual) and engage with the community through an official Google Groups forum. The project is also indexed in the Free Software Directory under the science category.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.orthanc-server.com/download.php)
2. [The orthanc Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/orthanc/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [2023](https://hg.orthanc-server.com/orthanc/)
4. [Download Orthanc](https://www.orthanc-server.com/download.php)
5. [Source](https://hg.orthanc-server.com/orthanc/file/Orthanc-1.12.1/NEWS)
6. [Source](https://orthanc.uclouvain.be/hg/orthanc/file/Orthanc-1.12.2/NEWS)
7. [Source](https://orthanc.uclouvain.be/hg/orthanc/file/Orthanc-1.12.7/NEWS)
8. [Source](https://orthanc.uclouvain.be/hg/orthanc/file/tip/NEWS)
9. [Source](http://www.orthanc-server.com/static.php?page=about)
10. [Source](https://www.orthanc-server.com/static.php?page=about)
11. [Source](https://www.freshports.org/science/orthanc)