# Zarr **Domain:** Scientific Data / Array Storage **Doc Type:** Technical Concept Node **Maturity:** Established and Evolving **Related:** [[OME-Zarr]], [[SpatialData]], [[Multiscale Image Pyramid]] --- ## Definition **Zarr** is a storage model for chunked, compressed, multidimensional arrays designed for scalable access and parallel or distributed computation. Chunking allows a system to retrieve or update relevant regions without loading an entire dataset. ## Neuroinformatics role Large microscopy and spatial-omics datasets use Zarr as a storage substrate. Zarr supplies array organization; domain formats such as OME-Zarr and SpatialData add biological metadata, coordinate systems, transformations, and element semantics.