qlfits ☆

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Description:
Quick Look plugin to view FITS files

Type: Cask | Latest Version: 3.2.2@0 | Tracked Since: Sep 22, 2025

Links: Homepage | @onekiloparsec | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: astronomy fits quicklook macos preview

Install: brew install --cask qlfits

About:
QLFits is a macOS Quick Look plugin that enables native preview of FITS (Flexible Image Transport System) files directly in Finder. It renders the primary data and header information without requiring specialized astronomical software. This streamlines data inspection for researchers and hobbyists working with telescope imagery.

Key Features:

Native macOS Quick Look integration for instant previews
Displays image data and FITS header metadata
Supports multi-extension FITS (MEF) files
Open source and freely available

Use Cases:

Astronomers reviewing raw telescope data directly in Finder
Researchers quickly verifying FITS file headers and content
Educators demonstrating astronomical data formats

Alternatives:

SAOImage DS9 – Full-featured astronomical viewer; heavier and slower for quick previews
FITS Liberator – Specialized for processing; not optimized for rapid file browsing

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Sep 22, 2025 6:58am	3.2.2	0	VERSION_BUMP	45609aaf