Announcing 3D Slicer 5.12

3D Slicer 5.12 is now available. This latest stable release includes updates to DICOM workflows, visualization, Python package management, Qt 6 build support, and the extension ecosystem. Slicer 5.12 serves as a stable release before the project continues broader work related to Qt 6 and native Apple Silicon support.

Improving Medical Imaging Workflows

Slicer 5.12 introduces several enhancements for medical imaging workflows.

The Visual DICOM Browser has been redesigned to better support large databases. The updated interface includes a dockable side panel, configurable thumbnails, tab and list viewing modes, improved query and retrieve tracking, refresh functionality, and updated documentation. These updates improve how users organize and navigate imaging studies.

The release also expands built-in DICOM support by moving several DICOM object types directly into Slicer core. Users no longer need separate extensions to work with:

• DICOM SEG
• Parametric Map
• TID 1500 Structured Reports
• M3D objects

Slicer 5.12 includes several visualization updates. Volume rendering now supports volumes under non-linear transforms. Scalar volume display adds logarithmic color mapping with synchronized color legends and volume rendering.

Segmentation display has also been expanded with additional material controls for interpolation, ambient, diffuse, specular, metallic, and roughness properties. Additional updates to markups, transform visualization, and Subject Hierarchy provide clearer visual feedback when working with complex scenes.

New Capabilities for Developers

Slicer 5.12 introduces several improvements that simplify development and make it easier to build on the platform.

The new slicer.packaging module provides a standard way to manage Python dependencies for scripted modules and extensions. Developers can load dependencies from requirements.txt or pyproject.toml, check installed packages, install packages with progress feedback, and continue using existing pip_install workflows through compatibility wrappers. For additional information click here.

The release also adds Qt 6 build support while maintaining compatibility with Qt 5.15. It includes compatibility, packaging, startup, and build support updates for multiple Qt 6 versions. This stable release was published before broader work continues on Qt 6 and native Apple Silicon support.

An Expanded Extension Ecosystem

The Slicer 5.12 extension catalog adds 22 new extensions since the 5.10 release, expanding the platform’s capabilities across a wide range of medical imaging applications. The release also introduces richer extension metadata, including support for extension tiers, DICOM support rules, recommendations, and keywords, improving extension discoverability and supporting future DICOM workflows.

Build with 3D Slicer

As a long-time contributor to the 3D Slicer platform, Kitware partners with organizations to develop custom Slicer-based applications for research, healthcare, and commercial software. Our team provides expertise in medical image analysis, visualization, AI integration, workflow development, and long-term software support.

Whether you’re extending an existing Slicer application or building a new one, we can help design, develop, and support solutions tailored to your workflow.

Explore Kitware’s 3D Slicer products and services or contact us to discuss your next project.