File Extension Database

Open POV File

The POV file extension is primarily linked to the Persistence of Vision Raytracer, a high-quality tool used to create three-dimensional graphics. The software offers a scene description language that perfectly allows end-users to script, render and animate image scenes.

Persistence of Vision Raytracer (POVRay)

The Persistence of Vision Raytracer or POVRay is the most commonly used software that works with .POV files. These files contain scripts written in a scene description language. The scripts define objects, light, and surface finish, among other elements, for creating 3D graphics.

How to Open POV Files

Any text editing software can be used to open and alter a .POV file as they are ASCII text files. However, to interpret and render the file contents into a 3D image, one needs to use the POVRay application.

NewTek's LightWave 3D

Another application that uses the POV file extension is NewTek's LightWave 3D. In LightWave, the POV file extension stands for 'Plain Old Vertices'. These are used to implement geometry data like vertices and polygons of a 3D model, which can be exported from LightWave for use in other 3D modeling software.

Other Software

InRoads® Suite is another program which uses the POV format. However, it uses the file differently, linking it to Project Preferences files. These store settings used across different sessions. Changes made in a project will also affect its related .POV files.

POV File Important Information

Just because the POV file extension is widely associated with the POVRay software does not mean that all .POV files can be opened or edited with this tool. Always check the source software of your file before attempting to open it. If in doubt, use a universal file viewer like File Magic to open your .POV file.

How Can I Open POV File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open POV file is to find a POV file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a POV 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 POV 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 POV file opener then try to search online for "POV viewer", "application to open POV file" or "open POV file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open POV file

How Can I Open POV File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a POV file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a POV 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 POV file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as POV file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open POV file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open POV file then try to search for "POV viewer", "application to open POV file" or "read POV file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read POV file

How Can I Open POV File on Android

If you downloaded a POV 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 POV 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 "POV".
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 "POV viewer", "POV 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 POV File on iPhone or iPad

To open POV 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 POV 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 "POV". This way you can find apps which can open POV 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 "POV viewer" or "POV file" online in your favorite search engine.

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