Feature comparison
| Feature | ithmb.org | iThmb Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Runs in a modern browser on desktop. | Windows PC application. |
| Installation | No app installation. | Install the Windows program. |
| Input | .ithmb files or a Photo Cache folder; can use Photo Database metadata. | FXXXX and TXXX iTHMB files, DAT files and several iDevice index files, according to its feature list. |
| Output | PNG images. | JPEG, PNG or BMP images. |
| Decode controls | Automatic mode plus manual decode mode selection after preview. | Automatic detection plus a constructor mode for manual recovery. |
| File handling | Photo data stays in the browser on your device. | Local desktop processing; its optional file-analysis submission sends a file sample if you choose that feature. |
This is a feature comparison, not a controlled success-rate test. Actual results depend on cache family and file condition.
Which one fits your recovery?
Choose ithmb.org for a quick browser session
Drop a few .ithmb files or the whole iPod Photo Cache folder into ithmb.org. You can inspect the decoded gallery before downloading PNGs. Nothing in the app sends your photo content to a server. If the first decode has incorrect colours or dimensions, the decode mode switcher lets you reprocess with a different method.
Choose iThmb Converter for its Windows feature set
The developer's documentation lists Photo Database, ArtworkDB and Photos.sqlite analysis, plus FXXXX, TXXX and DAT input. It also describes recovering dates and ratings from supported index files, automatic cropping, and JPEG or BMP output. Those are reasons to test it if your archive contains more than a straightforward Photo Cache folder.
The same documentation describes an optional “Send” action that uploads a 3 MB sample for developer analysis. If the files are sensitive, review that action before using it; ordinary local conversion and sample submission are separate workflows.
A sensible first pass
Keep an untouched copy of your cache. Try a file in the browser and check the preview before exporting. If names or crops are important, include the companion Photo Database file when available. For ArtworkDB or Photos.sqlite, compare the Windows app's documented support.
Try ithmb.orgOther comparisons
Source: iThmb Converter features and user guide. ithmb.org is one of the tools compared here.