What is a BW file?
A .BW file has multiple uses across different software environments. Most commonly, it is a Genomic Signal Data file (often called bigWig) used by the UCSC Genome Browser to store continuous, dense biological data.
The .BW extension is also used for a Black and White SGI Image File, originally developed by Paul Haeberli. Additionally, it functions as a BricsCAD Sheet Set file in BricsCAD by Bricsys, a 3D garment design file in Browzwear VStitcher, or a Backup Exec file by Veritas.
How to open BW files?
Because the .BW extension has multiple meanings, you must know the exact format before choosing a program. You can open bigWig data files using command-line tools like bigWigToBedGraph or view them in bioinformatics software. SGI images require legacy graphics viewers like IrfanView, while CAD files need BricsCAD.
File inspection and conversion
If you are not sure what program created your file, viewer.online/bw analyzes .BW files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it.
If you need to change the file into a more standard format, we recommend convert.guru. You can easily convert genomic bigWig files to .BEDGRAPH or convert SGI images to .PNG.
Summary
viewer.online/bw directly opens and previews .BW files in the browser, eliminating the need to install software or troubleshoot compatibility issues.