If you’ve ever explored the contents of a GoPro SD card, you may have come across a strange file extension: .THM. These small files often sit next to your video footage, and if you’ve wondered whether you can delete them or what they’re for, you’re not alone.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about a GoPro THM file—including its purpose, types, how it works, and whether you need to keep it.

What Is a GoPro THM File?

A GoPro THM file is a thumbnail image file automatically generated by GoPro cameras alongside your video recordings. The file has a .thm extension and serves as a quick visual reference or preview for your video clips.

Key Characteristics of GoPro THM Files

  • File Extension: .thm
  • File Size: Very small (usually under 20 KB)
  • File Type: JPEG format thumbnail
  • Purpose: Acts as a video preview or still image representation
  • Created Alongside: MP4 or LRV files

Why Does GoPro Create THM Files?

THM files are primarily used for:

  • Thumbnail previews on the GoPro camera screen
  • Quick navigation when browsing videos in the GoPro app
  • Faster loading times in GoPro Quik or editing software

These files are automatically created whenever you record a video. They allow you to visually scan through your clips without needing to open each video.

Types of Files Created by GoPro (Including THM)

GoPro generates different file types during a recording session. Here’s a breakdown:

File TypeExtensionPurpose
Video File.mp4Main high-resolution video file
Low-Resolution Video.lrvUsed for previews/editing in mobile apps
Thumbnail File.thmStill image representing the video
Metadata Files.gpmf, .tmp, etc.Used for GPS and sensor data (varies by model)

How to Open a GoPro THM File

Although .THM files are not meant for direct use, they are actually JPEG images. You can open a GoPro THM file with any photo viewer or editing program:

  • Windows Photo Viewer
  • macOS Preview
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • GIMP
  • Web browsers (drag and drop)

Tip: You may need to rename the file extension from .thm to .jpg to open it easily.

Can You Delete GoPro THM Files?

Yes, you can delete THM files without affecting your main video recordings. However, doing so will:

  • Remove the preview image in GoPro apps
  • Make file browsing slower on your camera or software
  • Affect automatic preview generation in Quik or Studio

Best Practice: If storage space is not a major concern, it’s best to keep THM files during your editing process.

How to Use GoPro THM Files in Your Workflow

Even though THM files are small, they can be useful in creative workflows:

  • Use as video thumbnails on social media platforms
  • Organize video content visually in folders
  • Generate storyboard previews using THM files
  • Create quick catalogs or media logs

Troubleshooting Common THM File Issues

1. THM file won’t open

  • Try changing the extension to .jpg
  • Open it with a different image viewer

2. Missing THM files

  • If you copied only MP4 files from your SD card, THM files might not have transferred
  • Re-insert your SD card and transfer the full DCIM folder

3. File shows as 0 KB

  • This may indicate an incomplete recording or file corruption. Try reformatting the SD card or updating your GoPro firmware.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a GoPro THM file used for?

A GoPro THM file is used as a thumbnail or preview image for videos. It helps users quickly recognize footage on the camera or GoPro software.

Is it safe to delete THM files from my GoPro?

Yes, deleting THM files is safe and won’t impact your actual videos. However, it may remove preview functionality.

Can I convert a THM file to JPG?

Yes. Most THM files are actually JPEGs in disguise. Simply rename the extension to .jpg and open it in any image viewer.

Why do I see THM files instead of videos?

THM files are supplementary files. If you’re not seeing your video, make sure to also copy .mp4 or .lrv files from your SD card.

Are THM files created for photos or just videos?

GoPro THM files are generally created for videos, not still photos. Photos are saved in standard formats like JPG and don’t require separate thumbnails.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the role of the GoPro THM file can make organizing and editing your footage much smoother. While these small thumbnail files may seem unimportant, they play a big role in speeding up your workflow, especially when navigating through large volumes of video content. Whether you choose to keep or delete them, now you know exactly what they do and how they work.

This page was last edited on 5 May 2025, at 3:13 pm