File Extension Database

Open RLE File

RLE, or Run Length Encoding, is a type of data compression in which sequences or runs of the same data value are stored as a single data value and count. This file format can be associated with several types of software and file types, each having its own specific way to be opened or used.

Image Files with RLE Compression

One of the common uses of the RLE file format is in bitmap image data. This type of image format is primarily used for simple images that have large areas of single colour, for instance, line drawings and icons. You could open such files using an image editing or viewing software that supports RLE file format for instance, Adobe Photoshop. Here is the link to download Adobe Photoshop: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html.

RLE in Video Codec

RLE is also used in various video codecs as it allows video files to be compressed for more efficient storage. These files can be opened with a video player that supports RLE codec, like VLC media player, making playback more convenient. The related link to download VLC media player is: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html

RLE in Computer Games

Files carrying the RLE extension can also be found in older computer games where they are used for storing graphics and level data. These files cannot be opened manually but are accessed by the game's software engine when needed.

RLE File Important Information

RLE files are a type of compressed file format and though not the most efficient, they are quite simple and easy to implement. This makes them particularly useful for applications such as image, video encoding and in gaming where simple compression could yield significant results. It is important however to remember the proper use of such files and ideally, not to attempt uncompressing them manually as they might be part of a larger program or software where they serve a specific purpose. It's always safe to use the relevant software to access the data in these files, whether it be an image viewer, video player or game depending on the specific use case of the RLE file.

Typical RLE application file locations:

%systemroot%\system32\mspaint.exe "%1"
"C:\Windows\system32\mspaint.exe" "%1"

Frequently associated Windows objects:

rlefile

How Can I Open RLE File on Windows

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

How Can I Open RLE File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open RLE File on Android

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

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

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