Open Source DICOM Viewer

Last updated: 2026-03-20

Perspecta is an open-source desktop DICOM viewer written in Rust for developers and individual users. It opens local DICOM files, accepts perspecta:// and DICOMweb launch handoff, supports grouped mammography layouts, shows GSPS and Mammography CAD SR overlays, and opens Structured Reports in a dedicated document view.

Who Perspecta is for

Perspecta fits developers and individual users who need a lightweight desktop viewer and, in some cases, a way to connect that viewer to an existing web application or imaging workflow.

It is especially useful when you need an open-source DICOM viewer that can be inspected and built locally, launched from another system, and used for practical review workflows such as mammography comparison and overlay-aware image review.

What Perspecta supports

Local DICOM file open for single-image review
Grouped mammography layouts in 1x2, 1x3, 2x2, and 2x4
perspecta:// launch integration from external systems
DICOMweb launch using study, series, and instance context
GSPS overlay toggle on matching images
Mammography CAD SR overlay rendering on matching images
Structured Report viewing in a dedicated document mode

What Perspecta does not try to be

Perspecta is not positioned as a full PACS replacement, a browser-first imaging framework, or a broad study-management system. It focuses on fast desktop review and integration into an existing workflow.

Common questions

Is Perspecta a web viewer or a desktop viewer?

Perspecta is a desktop DICOM viewer. It can be launched from a web application or another system, but the viewer itself runs as a native desktop app.

Does Perspecta support DICOMweb?

Yes. Perspecta supports DICOMweb launch with study, series, and instance context, plus grouped preload flows for supported review layouts. See DICOMweb Integration.

Does Perspecta support mammography review?

Yes. Perspecta supports grouped mammography layouts in 1x2, 1x3, 2x2, and 2x4, which makes it suitable for current and prior comparison workflows.

Does Perspecta support GSPS and CAD overlays?

Yes. Perspecta can show GSPS overlays and Mammography CAD SR overlays when they reference the active image. See Viewer Basics and Launch Options.

Does Perspecta support Structured Reports?

Yes. Structured Reports open in a dedicated document mode instead of being treated like image viewports.

Can I inspect and build Perspecta myself?

Yes. Perspecta is open source and the repository includes local build instructions, packaged releases, and platform-specific install guides.