4) Uploading your first DICOM Series

Congratulations on your 3DICOM Subscription

Whether you have been following our Getting Started articles or signed up by yourself, it is great to have you on board. Uploading your medical scans is quick and easy.
This short guide will help you upload your first DICOM series, so you can view your medical images in 2D and 3D.

This article provides a cut-down version of our complete guide on uploading a scan to 3DICOM.

Pre-Upload Checklist

Before uploading your first medical scan to 3DICOM, make sure you have the following items to facilitate a smooth first-time upload process.

Your DICOM files are ready for upload.

Locate your DICOM files:

Find the folder that contains the .dcm DICOM files for your scan.

If you’re using a USB or CD-ROM/DVD, make sure it’s securely connected or inserted before browsing its contents.

Avoid Unsupported File Types:

Do not upload .zip, .iso, .exe, or any installer/viewer applications — they’re not compatible.

CD-ROM/DVD Users Only:

Ignore any .exe or auto-launch software/files — you only need the raw .dcm DICOM files.

Look for folders named DICOM, IMAGES, or something similar.

For best performance, copy the scan folder to your local drive before uploading.

Learn how to upload DICOM files from a CD-ROM to 3DICOM.

You have a stable internet connection.

A stable connection with an upload speed of at least 5Mbps is recommended for uploading to 3DICOM.

You’re using a supported browser or operating system.

See our Compatibility Guide.

You’re logged in to your 3DCIOM account.

Sign in to your 3DICOM account at my3dicomviewer.com, using your original sign up method.

For more tips and instructions on signing in, refer to Signing In and Out of 3DICOM.

If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up for one at 3dicomviewer.com

Step-by-Step: Uploading Your First Scan

Medical scans can be uploaded via the 3DICOM Viewer Dashboard using the Upload Scan Button or the drag-and-drop area options.

First-time users will find both upload options on the 3DICOM Welcome screen.

Instructions on how to upload using both options are provided below.

Upload Scan Button Drag and Drop Area

Using the Upload Button

How to upload a Scan using the Upload Button.

Steps to get there:

1. Log in to your 3DICOM account at my.3dicomviewer.com

You will be automatically directed to the dashboard or welcome screen.

2. Click ‘Upload Scan’ to open your computer’s file browser.

3. Find and select the folder containing your medical imaging files.

3DICOM will begin browsing your folder to identify any available files and DICOM series suitable for upload.

4. After the system identifies the selected files, you will see a list of available DICOM series.

5. Review the displayed series and select the one you want to view.

Some folders selected can contain multiple series, while others have only one. By default, 3DICOM recommends the series with the highest number of images, as these typically offer better resolution for 3D rendering.

6. In the Anonymize section, choose whether to anonymize your scan or edit folder names, then click ‘Next’.

Some folders selected can contain multiple series, while others have only one. By default, 3DICOM recommends the series with the highest number of images, as these typically offer better resolution for 3D rendering.

To understand the benefits of anonymizing scans and how to use the anonymization tool, see Anonymizing Your Scans on 3DICOM.

7. In the Storage section, select your preferred storage option, and hit ‘Next’.

To learn more about your storage options, read the 3DICOM Storage Options help guide. 

8. In the Upload section, check the box if you would like to open the scan in the Viewer immediately after the upload process completes.

Leaving the box unchecked will keep you in the Dashboard.

9. Click ‘Upload’ to complete the process.

A progress bar will appear in the corner of the screen, indicating the upload status.

After uploading, your scan will open in the 3DICOM Viewer (if selected), or appear in the Recent Activity table once the page is refreshed.

Using Drag & Drop

How to upload a Scan using the Drag and Drop area.

Steps to get there:

1. Log in to your 3DICOM account at my3dicomviewer.com

You will be automatically directed to the dashboard or welcome screen.

2. Navigate to the Upload and View Scans page by using the Upload tab on the sidebar, or the Upload Scan option on the Dashboard.

3. Drag and drop your selected folder into the upload box.

3DICOM will begin browsing your folder to identify any available files and DICOM series suitable for upload.

4. After the system identifies the selected files, you will see a list of available DICOM series.

5. Review the displayed series and select the one you want to view.

Some folders selected can contain multiple series, while others have only one. By default, 3DICOM recommends the series with the highest number of images, as these typically offer better resolution for 3D rendering.

6. In the Anonymize section, choose whether to anonymize your scan or edit folder names, then click ‘Next’.

To understand the benefits of anonymizing scans and how to use the anonymization tool, see Anonymizing Your Scans on 3DICOM.

7. In the Storage section, select your preferred storage option, and hit ‘Next’.

To learn more about your storage options, read the 3DICOM Storage Options help guide. 

8. In the Upload section, check the box if you would like to open the scan in the Viewer once uploaded.

Leaving the box unchecked will keep you in the Dashboard.

9. Click ‘Upload’ to complete the process.

A progress bar will appear in the corner of the screen, indicating the upload status.

After uploading, your scan will open in the 3DICOM Viewer (if selected), or appear in the Recent Activity table once the page is refreshed.