Learn how to open iTHMB files, how to convert iTHMB files, and also how to recover files no longer on your iOS device

This article includes information and instructions about not only how to open iTHMB files, but also how to recover iTHMB files that are no longer on your iOS device and how to view them and even restore them to the device by using an iTHMB converter.  As mentioned in a related article about how to open iTHMB files, there are instances when your iOS device is lost or no longer functioning or files have been deleted and you want to recover the originals using iTHMB files that were stored on your PC after synching your device.  These iTHMB file are automatically created when syncing using iTunes.

In many cases iTHMB files are created as corresponding artwork for iTunes music files.  However, they can also be pictures taken from your device.  The iTHMB images are uncompressed and as a result are large in size.  They contain images optimized for the specific iOS device screen size and display mode.  The problem most users have with these files is that their PC is not able to display the images unless you convert iTHMB into a readable format.  The process of iTHMB conversion is very straightforward.  Of course, to do any job right you need the right tool for the job.  The recommended tool for this job is: Ultra File Opener (UFO) by CompuClever.  

The first step is to locate the files.  As mentioned previously in an article about iTHMB files, iTunes automatically creates a "Photo Cache” folder when syncing photos (for example, “iPod Photo Cache” for the iPod).  Once you open the folder you will see the files stored there including the iTHMB files.  You can attempt to open these files to confirm that there is no native support for these files with your Windows operating system.  That is to say, you need to install the right software to open and view these files.  This is where Ultra File Opener (UFO) is required.  It will open and view these files along with over 200 other popular file formats.

Once you have opened and viewed the files you can convert them (using UFO) to a more widely accepted image format such as JPEG or PNG.  The advantage of doing this is that you can now open them in numerous programs for editing and sharing.  You even can restore these images in your iOS device.  Here’s how:

1. From your PC, open iTunes.
2. Plug in your iOS device.
3. From iTunes, navigate to the device.
4. Click “Photos” in the top menu bar.
5. Select the folder where the converted files are located.
6. Click the “Sync” button.

You now have image files that are converted and stored where you want them.  We hope these articles have been useful to you in understanding and dealing with iTHMB files.