.PICT File Extension

Picture File

Developer Apple
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What is a PICT file?

A PICT file is an image saved in the Macintosh PICT format, which was used by the QuickDraw graphics library. PICT files are vector graphics that may contain embedded raster graphics. The PICT format has been deprecated, so PICT files are uncommon.

More Information

Screenshot of a .pict file in XnViewMP
PICT file open in XnViewMP

In 1984, Apple created the PICT image format. This vector image format is native to Macintosh computers and was used by Mac OS's QuickDraw graphics library and API.

The first version of the PICT format, known as PICT 1, supports up to eight colors. The second version, known as PICT 2, supports 24- and 32-bit color, allowing images to include millions of colors.

Both versions of the PICT format have since been deprecated and largely replaced by the .PDF format. PICT files may also be saved with the .PCT extension.

How to open a PICT file

You can open a PICT file with XnViewMP (multiplatform), Adobe Photoshop (Windows, Mac), Netpbm (multiplatform), or IrfanView (Windows).

How to convert a PICT file

You can use XnViewMP, Adobe Photoshop, Netpbm, or IrfanView to convert PICT files to other formats. For example, XnViewMP can convert PICT files to the following formats (and many others):

  • .JPEG - JPEG Image
  • .GIF - Graphical Interchange Format
  • .PNG - Portable Network Graphic
  • .TIFF - Tagged Image
  • .BMP - Bitmap Image
  • .PCX - Paintbrush Bitmap Image
  • .TGA - Targa Graphic
  • .JP2 - JPEG 2000 Core Image
  • .JXR - JPEG XR Image
  • .WEBP - WebP Image
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Programs that open PICT files

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Picture file format and Mac, Windows, and Linux apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

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