A digital version of IMAX started rolling out in 2008. The new system is a projection standard only. Digital IMAX systems can show either 2D or 3D content in DCI or IMAX digital format (which in itself is a superset of DCI). The digital system alleviates the need for film reels dan facilitates inexpensive distribution of IMAX features.

Despite those advantages, one big disadvantage is the resolution of the picture, which is much lower than the resolution of the normal IMAX film, estimated to be about 12000 × 8700 theoretical pixels or 6120 × 4500 actually discernible pixels.[26] The screens used by IMAX multiplex locations range in size from 47' x 24' to 74' x 46' dan those in classic IMAX locations range from 51' x 37' to 117' x 96'. The digital installations have drawn some confusion based on poor consumer differentiation to the traditional 15/70 IMAX.[27]

IMAX digital currently uses two 2K-resolution Christie projectors with Texas Instruments Digital Light Processing technology alongside parts of IMAX's proprietary technologies. The two 2K images are projected over each other, producing an image that is potentially of a slightly higher resolution than common 2K digital cinema. Originally, IMAX had been considering using two Sony 4K projectors.[28] Some reviewers note that this approach may not produce image quality higher than using one 4K projector, which are available for some non-IMAX theaters,[27] including AMC's own.[29]