How to View X-Ray Images on iPhone: A Complete Guide
Updated April 2026 · 5 min read
Digital X-rays (radiographs) are stored as DICOM files, just like CT and MRI scans. Viewing them on iPhone requires a DICOM viewer that handles the DX (Digital Radiography) modality properly — with the right window/level defaults and measurement tools optimized for 2D radiographs.
Types of X-Ray DICOM Files MedScan Supports
Window/Level for X-Ray
X-ray DICOM files use different pixel value ranges than CT (which uses Hounsfield Units). MedScan automatically reads the window center and width from DICOM tags (0028,1050 and 0028,1051) and applies them on first open. If the image looks too dark or washed out, tap “Auto W/L” to recalculate from the image histogram.
Manual adjustment: drag horizontally to change window width (contrast), vertically to change window center (brightness). Tap “Reset” to return to DICOM defaults.
Measurement Tools for Radiographs (Pro)
Draw a line between two points. MedScan calculates the real-world distance in mm using pixel spacing from DICOM metadata (0028,0030). Essential for bone length, implant sizing, and fracture assessment.
Measure angles between three points. Used for scoliosis Cobb angle, cephalometric analysis (ANB, SNA, SNB), and joint alignment assessment.
Both tools include a 3× loupe magnifier that activates while drawing, showing the exact pixel under your finger for sub-millimeter precision on a phone screen.
Viewing Dental X-Rays on iPhone
Dental periapical and panoramic X-rays are DICOM's most common use case on mobile. MedScan auto-detects dental modalities (PX, IO) and opens them with a default W/L optimized for enamel and bone contrast.
- Periapical (IO): Use the ruler to measure root length, bone crest level, or periapical lesion diameter
- Panoramic (PX): Full-arch view with ruler for implant site planning — measure bone height and width
- Cephalometric (DX): Lateral ceph with angle tool for ANB, SNA, SNB, and Gonial angle measurements
Invert & Enhance
Standard X-rays display with dark background (black bones on white). Some workflows prefer inverted (white background with dark bone shadows — similar to film). MedScan includes a one-tap Invert button. You can also flip horizontal or vertical for orientation matching.