This content is not available in your preferred language.

The content is shown in another available language. Your browser may include features that can help translate the text.

Correct Location on Disk to Store a .icd Camera File to Use with NI-IMAQ

Updated Apr 1, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-IMAQ

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

I recently downloaded a camera file from NI's website or generated one from the Camera File Generator. Where do I need to place the *.icd file so I can configure my camera and my IMAQ hardware in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)?

Solution

Once you download or generate (Creating a Camera File using the NI Camera File Generator) the appropriate camera file for your camera, the location of the *.icd file will depend on which version of Vision Acquisition Software you have installed:
 

  • Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.3 and later:
    • If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7/8/10/11, place the *.icd file in 
<Users>\Public\Public Documents\National Instruments\NI-IMAQ\Data
  • If you are using Windows XP, place the *.icd file in 

<Documents and Settings>\All Users\Shared Documents\National Instruments\NI-IMAQ\Data

  • Vision Acquisition Software 8.2.3 and Earlier place the *.icd  file in:
<National Instruments>\NI-IMAQ\Data

 Once the file is placed in the correct directory, launch MAX and select your IMAQ (i.e., PCIe-1433) device from the Devices and Interfaces. With your IMAQ device highlighted, right-click the camera and select Camera Selection from the context menu. Select the appropriate camera file from the list.

Additional Information

After your camera file is loaded, refer to Measurement & Automation Explorer Help for NI-IMAQ (from the Help drop down menu in MAX, select Help Topics»NI-Vision»NI-IMAQ) for more information on configuring your particular type of camera with your specific IMAQ hardware.