PI5 File – What is .pi5 file and how to open it?
PI5 File Extension
DEGAS Bitmap Image – file format by Atari
PI5 (DEGAS Bitmap Image) is a bitmap file format developed by Atari for use with the DEGAS Elite paint program. The format supports various color depths and resolutions and includes features like layers and transparency.
PI5 File Format
A PI5 file is a bitmap image file format created by Atari specifically for use with their DEGAS paint program. It is a raster-based format that stores image data in a simple and efficient manner. PI5 files are characterized by their small file size and lack of support for complex image features such as layers or transparency. They are primarily used for storing and exchanging basic bitmap images, such as logos, icons, and other simple graphics.
Technical Details
PI5 files consist of a header followed by the image data. The header contains information about the image’s width, height, color depth, and other metadata. The image data is stored in a row-by-row format, with each row containing the pixel values for that row. PI5 files can support different color depths, including monochrome, grayscale, and color. They use a simple run-length encoding scheme to compress the image data, which helps to reduce file size. Additionally, PI5 files may contain an optional palette containing the colors used in the image.
Using Conversion Software
To open a PI5 file, you can utilize conversion software such as XnView. This software enables you to convert the PI5 file into a more accessible format like JPG or PNG. Once converted, you can open the file using any standard image viewer or graphics editor.
Furthermore, you can employ online conversion tools like Zamzar or Convertio. These services allow you to upload your PI5 file and choose the desired output format. After processing, the converted file can be downloaded and opened in an appropriate application.
PI5 File Format: An Atari Image Format
The PI5 file format is a bitmap image format developed by Atari, primarily used for the Atari ST series of personal computers. It is characterized by its indexed color palette, supporting up to 16 colors, and a resolution of 320×200 pixels. PI5 images are typically uncompressed, resulting in relatively large file sizes, especially when compared to compressed formats like PNG. This format was commonly employed in Atari ST games and applications, and it remains a nostalgic format for enthusiasts and collectors of vintage Atari software.
Key Features of PI5 Files
PI5 files are recognized by their distinctive file extension “.pi5”. They offer certain advantages and limitations compared to other bitmap formats:
- Indexed Color Palette: PI5 files use an indexed color palette, limiting the number of colors they can display to 16. This limitation can lead to color banding and a lack of detail in images with a wide range of colors, but it also keeps file sizes relatively small.
- Uncompressed Format: PI5 images are typically stored in an uncompressed format, preserving the original quality of the image but resulting in larger file sizes. This lack of compression can be a drawback for storing large numbers of images, especially in today’s era of high-resolution images.
- Limited Resolution: PI5 files have a fixed resolution of 320×200 pixels, limiting their usability for high-resolution displays. However, this resolution was suitable for the limited graphics capabilities of the Atari ST computers for which they were designed.