File Extension Database

Open PICT File

PICT file extensions are associated with picture files originally designed for the Macintosh operating system. These file formats were developed by Apple Inc. and are commonly used for storing vector and bitmap graphics. Nowadays, PICT files may not be as popular as other image formats like JPEG or PNG, but they still can be opened and used with various applications and software. In this article, we will explore the different formats and ways to open and use PICT files, along with their multiple uses and necessary tools.

PICT Bitmap and PICT Vector Graphic Formats

PICT file extension can belong to two types of formats: PICT bitmap image format and PICT vector graphic format. PICT bitmap format stores image data in a grid of individual pixels, each representing a specific color. Bitmap images are commonly used for photographs and intricate images with complex color gradients. On the other hand, PICT vector format stores image information as geometric shapes like points, lines, and curves. Vector images are highly scalable without losing quality and are typically used for logos, illustrations, and other images that require resizing or modification.

Opening PICT Files on Mac and Windows

Even though PICT files were initially designed for Macintosh computers, they can still be opened on both Mac and Windows operating systems. Here are some applications that can open PICT files:

Adobe Photoshop: A popular image editing and design software available for both Mac and Windows platforms that can open PICT files.
GIMP: A free, open-source image manipulation program compatible with Mac and Windows that supports PICT files.
GraphicConverter: A Mac conversion and image editing software that can open and convert PICT files to other formats.
XnViewMP: A multi-platform image viewer, organizer, and converter that supports PICT files on both Mac and Windows.
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite: A professional graphic design software for Windows that can import and edit PICT files.

Converting PICT Files to Other Formats

There are various online tools and software applications that can convert PICT files to more widely used file formats such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. Some popular tools include:

Convertio: A free online file converter that allows you to upload your PICT files and convert them to other formats like JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
Zamzar: Another online file conversion tool that supports PICT conversion to other file formats.
GraphicConverter: As mentioned earlier, this Mac-based software can also convert PICT files to other formats.
XnViewMP: A multi-platform image viewer that can convert PICT files to other formats.

PICT File Important Information

PICT files were an essential part of Macintosh's history, but due to the advancements in the graphic industry and the rise in popularity of other file formats, PICT files have become less common. The information in this article will help you understand the different formats, tools, and ways to manage PICT files properly. PICT files can still be opened, used, and converted with the help of various applications and online tools. Being aware of these resources and understanding how to handle PICT files will make it easier for you to work with them in the future.

Typical PICT application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\PictureViewer.exe "%1"

Typical PICT mime types:

image/pict

Frequently used application names to open PICT files:

QuickTime

Frequently associated Windows objects:

QuickTime.pict

How Can I Open PICT File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PICT file is to find a PICT file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PICT file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PICT file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PICT file opener then try to search online for "PICT viewer", "application to open PICT file" or "open PICT file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PICT file

How Can I Open PICT File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PICT file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PICT file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PICT file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PICT file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PICT file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PICT file then try to search for "PICT viewer", "application to open PICT file" or "read PICT file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PICT file

How Can I Open PICT File on Android

If you downloaded a PICT file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PICT file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PICT".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PICT viewer", "PICT file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PICT File on iPhone or iPad

To open PICT File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PICT file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PICT". This way you can find apps which can open PICT files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PICT viewer" or "PICT file" online in your favorite search engine.

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