Importing 4D-STEM Dataset in DM4 Format

The .dm4 file format is a proprietary file format used by Gatan’s Digital Micrograph software, which is commonly employed for storing and analyzing microscopy data, including 4D-STEM datasets. Unlike the EMPAD format, which requires both an XML and a RAW file, the .dm4 format encapsulates all necessary data within a single file with the extension .dm4.

Warning

Due to the proprietary nature of the .dm4 file format, support for .dm4 files is incomplete. Users should be cautious with automatically read metadata.

To import a 4D-STEM dataset stored in the .dm4 format, follow these steps:

  1. Open an HDF5 File: Ensure that you have an HDF5 file open in the main interface.

  2. Access the Import Dialog: In the main interface’s menu bar, navigate to the Edit menu and locate the Import 4D-STEM dataset button. Click it to open the import dialog. Alternatively, you can right-click on any group in the file panel on the left side of the main interface and select Import 4D-STEM dataset from the context menu.

  3. Select the File Type: In the pop-up import dialog, choose Digital Micrograph (.dm4) as the file type in the Import File Type field.

  4. Browse for the .dm4 File: Click the Browse button to select the .dm4 file you wish to import.

  5. Specify the Import Location: In the Import Dataset to Location field, browse and select the group where you want to import the dataset. You can also specify the name of the dataset in the Name field.

  6. Complete the Import: Once all fields are correctly filled, click the Import button to load the dataset into the HDF5 file.

Note

The dataset being imported in the .dm4 format should be a 4D-STEM dataset. Importing 2D images is not supported in this context.