PICT File – What is .pict file and how to open it?
PICT File Extension
Picture File – file format by Apple
PICT (Picture) is a file extension developed by Apple for storing graphics data. It is a raster-based format that supports a variety of color depths, resolutions, and compression options. PICT files can be used in various applications, including image editors, web browsers, and word processors.
Definition and Development
A PICT (Picture File) file is a raster and vector image format developed by Apple Computer, Inc. It was introduced in 1984 as part of the Macintosh Operating System and was the primary image format used by Macintosh computers until the mid-1990s. PICT files can store both bitmap and object-oriented graphics, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including desktop publishing, digital art, and scientific imaging.
Features and Compatibility
PICT files support a variety of image features, including multiple layers, transparency, and color space. They can be compressed using RLE (Run-Length Encoding) or ZIP compression algorithms to reduce file size. PICT files are compatible with a large number of software applications, both on Macintosh and Windows platforms, making them a versatile and widely accepted image format. However, it is important to note that the PICT format has largely been replaced by modern image formats such as JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, particularly for web and mobile applications.
Opening PICT Files on Mac
PICT files can be opened and viewed on Mac computers using Apple’s Preview app or other image processing software such as Adobe Photoshop. Preview is the default image viewer on Mac and provides basic editing capabilities. To open a PICT file in Preview, simply double-click on the file or drag and drop it into the Preview window.
Photoshop offers more advanced editing features and supports layers for complex image editing. To open a PICT file in Photoshop, go to “File” > “Open” and select the PICT file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the file onto the Photoshop workspace.
Opening PICT Files on Windows
To open PICT files on Windows computers, you will need to use third-party software such as File Viewer Plus or XnView. File Viewer Plus is a comprehensive file viewer that supports over 300 file formats, including PICT. XnView is an image viewer and converter that supports over 500 image formats, including PICT.
Once you have installed one of these programs, you can open a PICT file by double-clicking on the file or right-clicking and selecting “Open With” from the context menu. You can then choose the appropriate program from the list of installed programs.
Picture File Format
PICT, short for Picture, is a proprietary raster and vector graphics file format developed by Apple, primarily for use in the Mac OS operating system. It was introduced in the early days of Mac OS, around the mid-1980s, and has since become a widely recognized and used format, particularly in the realm of Macintosh applications and digital artwork. The PICT format is capable of supporting both bitmap images, which are composed of individual pixels, and object-oriented vector graphics, which are defined by mathematical equations and can be scaled without losing quality.
Due to its versatility, PICT files have been extensively employed in various applications such as image editing, illustration, graphic design, and desktop publishing. PICT files can contain various elements, including images, text, shapes, gradients, and patterns. They offer a wide range of color options, including indexed color, RGB, and CMYK, making them suitable for both web and print applications.