> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.spine.altician.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Opening DICOM Files

> Load MRI scans from your local machine

## Methods

### Click to Open

1. Click the **Open** button (amber) in the toolbar.
2. Select a file or folder containing DICOM files.
3. Wait for the loading progress to complete.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/altician/0YBh5K6l-27QqsAD/images/open-files.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=0YBh5K6l-27QqsAD&q=85&s=1401145a210606d960ec78f2677be9d5" alt="Open button in toolbar" width="250" height="44" data-path="images/open-files.png" />

### Drag and Drop

Drag a folder or individual DICOM files directly onto the viewport area.

## Supported Files

ALTICIAN Spine accepts standard DICOM files (`.dcm` extension or extensionless DICOM). Folders are scanned recursively for DICOM files.

## Loading Progress

A progress bar shows the current loading status:

* **Parsing** — Reading DICOM headers and pixel data
* **Building volume** — Assembling 3D volume from slices
* **Ready** — Volume is loaded and rendered

<Note>
  The Open button is disabled while files are loading. Wait for the current load to complete before opening new files.
</Note>