Every IMAX format explained

Booth capability

The projector sets the maximum frame, light source, detail, and presentation system.

Room geometry

The physical screen sets the available shape and scale. Excellent projection on a small screen is still a different product.

IMAX 15/70 film projection

This is the original large-format IMAX system.

Active: 1970 to present · Maximum: 1.43:1

Projection: IMAX rolling-loop 15/70 projectors, principally the GT, GT3D, SR, and MPX families.

Light: High-output xenon arc lamp behind a 15/70 film print
Detail: Photochemical film has no native pixel grid.

Sound: The picture print carries no soundtrack.

Count: 52 film-system locations were actively supported by IMAX at 2025-12-31.

Identify it: Look for an explicit ticket or venue statement saying 'IMAX 70mm Film' or '15/70'.

IMAX with Laser, GT configuration

GT Laser is IMAX's flagship digital projection configuration.

Active: December 2014 to present · Maximum: 1.43:1

Projection: A proprietary dual-projector 4K IMAX laser system developed for Grand Theatre screens.

Light: Dual RGB laser projection
Detail: Two 4K digital projectors.

Sound: IMAX 12-channel sound.

Count: Not separately published.

Identify it: Confirm that the venue says 'GT Laser', 'Grand Theatre with Laser', 'dual laser', or explicitly promises 1.43:1 digital presentation.

IMAX with Laser, commercial multiplex configuration

This 2018 system brought 4K laser projection to ordinary commercial IMAX rooms.

Active: 2018 to present · Maximum: 1.90:1

Projection: A proprietary single-projector 4K IMAX laser system designed for commercial multiplex auditoriums.

Light: Single 4K RGB laser projector
Detail: Native 4K digital projection from one projector

Sound: Normally paired with the IMAX 12-channel system introduced with IMAX with Laser in 2015.

Count: Not separately published.

Identify it: If a venue advertises only 'IMAX with Laser', ask whether it has one projector or two and whether it can show 1.43:1.

IMAX with Laser XT

Laser XT is a lower-cost single-projector member of the IMAX laser family.

Active: 2021 to present · Maximum: 1.90:1

Projection: A single-projector 4K IMAX laser configuration.

Light: Single 4K laser projector
Detail: Native 4K digital projection

Sound: Reported in both six-channel and 12-channel installations.

Count: Not separately published.

Identify it: The customer-facing listing will usually say only 'IMAX with Laser'.

IMAX Digital xenon projection system

This dual-2K system let IMAX enter conventional multiplexes in 2008.

Active: 2008 to present · Maximum: 1.90:1

Projection: Two modified 2K DLP Cinema projectors.

Light: Two xenon arc lamps, one in each digital projector
Detail: Each projector is 2048 by 1080 pixels.

Sound: The 2008 system was normally paired with IMAX six-channel digital sound.

Count: 1,089 xenon-system locations at 2025-12-31.

Identify it: A listing that says only 'IMAX Digital' and does not say Laser usually indicates xenon.

IMAX Dome 15/70 film projection, formerly OMNIMAX

OMNIMAX was the original brand for IMAX's dome presentation and is now generally called IMAX Dome.

Active: 1973 to present · Maximum: 1.43:1

Projection: A 15/70 rolling-loop film projector fitted with a fisheye lens and positioned to cast the image across a tilted hemispherical screen.

Light: High-output xenon arc lamp behind a 15/70 film print
Detail: Photochemical 15/70 film with no native pixel grid.

Sound: Traditionally synchronized six-channel IMAX sound, digital from 1988 onward.

Count: Not separately published.

Identify it: The screen curves over and around the audience as a tilted dome, and the venue will usually use 'IMAX Dome' or retain the historic 'OMNIMAX' name.

IMAX Laser Dome projection system

Laser Dome adapts IMAX digital laser projection to a curved hemispherical screen.

Active: 2018 to present · Maximum: 1.43:1

Projection: A single 4K IMAX laser projector with dome-specific optical mapping and a fisheye projection path

Light: Single laser projector
Detail: 4K at 24 frames per second.

Sound: Venue-specific IMAX digital sound, reported in modern installations with either six or 12 channels.

Count: Not separately published.

Identify it: The auditorium has a tilted hemispherical screen and the venue explicitly says 'IMAX Laser Dome' or 'IMAX Dome with Laser'.