Feature comparison
| Feature | ithmb.org | File Juicer |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Modern desktop browser. | macOS application. |
| iTHMB output | PNG. | TIFF, according to the developer's iPod recovery guide. |
| Input workflow | Drop .ithmb files or a Photo Cache folder; review results in the browser. | Drag files or folders into File Juicer; output is saved to a folder. |
| Scope | Focused on iTHMB and iPod Photo Cache recovery. | General extraction utility for many file and cache formats. |
| Decode adjustment | Automatic heuristics plus manual decode modes in the preview flow. | Its iTHMB recovery guide describes drag-and-drop conversion; check its supported profile coverage for your device. |
How to choose
Use ithmb.org to inspect the cache first
Open the browser converter, drop an iTHMB file, and look through the gallery. You can download every decoded image or select a subset. The images are processed locally in the browser, and you can try a different decode mode if the first result has a colour cast or visible bands.
Use File Juicer for a Mac extraction workflow
File Juicer's iPod guide tells Mac users to copy the iTHMB files from /Photos/Thumbs and drop them into the app. It converts the cache images to TIFF. The general user guide also covers dropping entire folders and choosing where extracted files are saved.
File Juicer is useful beyond iTHMB: the developer lists extraction from documents, browser caches and other file types. For a one-off photo cache, the browser approach may be quicker; for repeated desktop extraction across different formats, the Mac utility may suit your workflow.
Can either tool restore full-size originals?
Neither can add detail that the iPod never stored. The File Juicer guide explains that iTHMB files are device-ready copies, with some families as small as a few dozen pixels and larger ones around TV display size. For the best recovery, keep all cache families and inspect the largest usable copy of each photo.
Start with a copy
Copy your iTHMB files to your computer before converting them. Keep the originals and any Photo Database file. Try a representative file from each numbered cache family to find the best resolution.
Open ithmb.orgOther comparisons
Sources: File Juicer iPod recovery guide and user guide. ithmb.org is one of the tools compared here.