SPM

What SPM is

SPM is desktop software for analyzing sequences of brain imaging data, including images from different cohorts and time series from one subject. Its current release is designed for fMRI, PET, SPECT, EEG and MEG analysis. SPM implements methods for constructing and assessing spatially extended statistical processes to test hypotheses about functional imaging data. Listed capabilities include statistical tests, regression models, Bayesian analysis and scripting support. The software imports NIfTI (.nii), Analyze (.hdr/.img), OPM binary, TSV, JSON, FIF and LVM files; DICOM data is supported after conversion to NIfTI. SPM is open-source under the GPL-2.0 license and is written in MATLAB and C. The recommended installation is within MATLAB, with GNU Octave and precompiled Standalone SPM as alternatives. Standalone SPM does not require a MATLAB license and includes MATLAB Runtime, which requires about 2.5 GB. The SPM page lists version 25.01 as the latest release. Learning resources include online tutorials, datasets with analysis instructions, and courses online and in person. Community extensions are available as toolboxes, utilities, batch systems and templates, though the developers caution that some may be incompatible and do not guarantee their usability. SPM is free, with its plan listed as free. Its maker is SPM, based at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London, UK, and founded in 1991.

Who it suits

SPM suits researchers and analysts working with fMRI, PET, SPECT, EEG or MEG data who need statistical methods, scripting, regression or Bayesian analysis. It can also suit users who want a free, open-source desktop tool and can install it through MATLAB, GNU Octave or Standalone SPM.

Limits

SPM is listed as free. Standalone SPM includes MATLAB Runtime, which requires about 2.5 GB; the listed facts do not specify a free-plan quota or feature cutoff.

Getting started

1. Visit the SPM website.
2. Choose an installation route: MATLAB, GNU Octave or precompiled Standalone SPM.
3. For Standalone SPM, install its included MATLAB Runtime, which requires about 2.5 GB.
4. Install SPM on Linux, macOS or Windows.
5. Import a supported imaging format, converting DICOM to NIfTI first.
6. Use the online tutorials and datasets with analysis instructions to get started.

Verdict

Choose SPM if you need free desktop software for statistical analysis of brain imaging data across its supported modalities and formats. Look elsewhere if the MATLAB-based installation options or the standalone runtime requirement do not suit your setup, or if you need community extensions with guaranteed compatibility.