Transfer syntax conversion

Convert a file's transfer syntax without altering its content.

Problem

DICOM files use different transfer syntaxes that determine how pixel data and metadata are encoded. Transferring files between systems often requires converting to a compatible syntax. Common conversions include: compressed to uncompressed, implicit VR to explicit VR, and big-endian to little-endian.

Steps

1. Open the DICOM file — click Open files… (⌘O). Note the current Transfer Syntax UID in the tag tree.
2. Choose the target syntax — use the Export menu to select the desired transfer syntax: Explicit VR Little Endian (uncompressed, most compatible), JPEG Lossless (compressed, preserves pixel fidelity), or JPEG 2000 (compressed, wavelet-based).
3. Export — the system transcodes the pixel data and updates the Transfer Syntax UID tag in the new file.
4. Verify — load the exported file. The Transfer Syntax UID matches the target. The pixel data renders identically (no visual degradation for lossless conversions). All metadata tags are preserved.
5. File size — uncompressed files are larger. Lossless compressed files are typically 2-4x smaller.

Expected Result

• Transfer Syntax UID in the exported file matches the selected target.
• Pixel data renders identically (lossless conversions have no degradation).
• All metadata tags are preserved unchanged.
• Lossy conversions (JPEG) produce smaller files with configurable quality.
• The exported file can be successfully loaded by the target system.