Ginkgo CADx
Ginkgo CADx is an open-source DICOM viewer that works across Windows, Linux, and macOS. It was created to give clinics a vendor-neutral option for handling medical imaging while still being cleared for diagnostic use — the project has both FDA and CE certification, which makes it unusual among free viewers. For dental practices, this means CBCT and panoramic scans can be reviewed on everyday computers without depending on expensive vendor software.
What administrators often highlight is its flexibility. One clinic might run it on Linux workstations, another on Macs, and both can connect to the same PACS server. For small practices, it often becomes the secondary viewer: easy to install, light on resources, and capable of handling core imaging tasks without licensing headaches.
Core Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
| Platform | Windows, Linux, macOS (cross-platform, desktop) |
| File formats | Full DICOM compliance; export to JPEG, PNG, AVI |
| Features | 2D/3D views, annotations, measurements, multiplanar reconstruction, scripting |
| Interoperability | PACS integration via DICOM query/retrieve, HL7 support |
| Security | Authentication, TLS for PACS, basic audit logging |
| Licensing | GPL, open-source; FDA/CE certified |
| Deployment model | Standalone workstation app; optional PACS integration |
Installation Guide
Download release – Packages are available for all three platforms on the official project page.
Run installation – Windows: installer wizard. Linux: package or build from source. macOS: DMG installer.
Configure PACS (if needed) – Enter AE title, server hostname, and credentials.
Check functionality – Import sample DICOM studies. Test query/retrieve with PACS if available.
How It’s Used
– In dental practices, Ginkgo CADx is commonly installed on consultation computers so CBCT images can be shown to patients.
– Universities often choose it for training labs, since it behaves the same on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
– Hospitals deploy it as an extra viewer outside of main PACS clients — useful for doctors who just need to open a dataset quickly without a full workstation license.
Deployment Notes
– Runs well on standard desktops; no need for high-end workstations.
– PACS setup can be tricky the first time — administrators usually test it with demo servers before going live.
– Updates are less frequent than commercial software; staying on stable builds is often safer.
– Documentation is community-maintained and may require digging through forums.
Real-World Scenarios
– Dental clinic: Uses Ginkgo CADx on Macs and Windows PCs to avoid buying extra vendor licenses.
– University program: Installs the same viewer across mixed OS labs, giving students consistent access to imaging data.
– Hospital IT: Keeps it as a backup viewer when PACS clients are unavailable or overloaded.
Limitations
– The interface looks dated compared to polished commercial tools.
– Smaller development community means fewer updates and slower feature rollout.
– Some PACS integrations need manual fine-tuning.
– Lacks enterprise-level support contracts.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Distinctive Strength | Best Fit |
| Ginkgo CADx | Free, cross-platform, FDA/CE certified | Clinics and hospitals needing compliant open-source viewer |
| Weasis DICOM Viewer | PACS integration, strong community | Hospitals and universities |
| Horos (macOS) | Native to macOS, plugin support | Practices and labs using Apple hardware |
| RadiAnt DICOM Viewer (Trial) | Fast, lightweight, commercial option | Clinics testing Windows-based solutions |
