PVT File – What is .pvt file and how to open it?
PVT File Extension
Renamed Live Photo – file format by Apple
PVT (Renamed Live Photo) is a file extension created by Apple for renamed Live Photos. It indicates that the file was originally a Live Photo (.MOV) but has been renamed to another file extension, such as .JPG or .PNG. The PVT extension allows the file to retain its Live Photo functionality, such as the ability to view and edit the Live Photo’s motion and sound.
PVT: Renamed Live Photo
A PVT file is a renamed Live Photo. Live Photos are images that capture a few seconds of movement before and after the photo is taken, creating a brief animation when played back. Apple changed the file extension from .MOV to .PVT to better organize and differentiate Live Photos from other media files on iPhones.
PVT files retain the same functionality and playback experience as Live Photos, showcasing the dynamic movement captured in the file. They maintain compatibility with Apple’s Photos app and can be viewed and played back on devices that support Live Photos. Additionally, PVT files can be shared, edited, and stored similarly to other photo file formats.
Understanding the PVT File Format
A PVT file is a renamed Live Photo, a type of photograph that captures both a still image and a short video clip. It is an Apple-proprietary format used exclusively on iOS devices. PVT files contain both the JPEG still image data and the HEVC video data, which are combined to create the Live Photo effect. Upon renaming the file from its original .MOV extension to .PVT, Apple’s operating system interprets it as a Live Photo and assigns it the appropriate metadata and playback behavior.
Opening PVT Files
PVT files can be opened and viewed on any Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Native support for PVT files is available in the Photos app on all Apple devices, allowing users to seamlessly view and interact with their Live Photos. Additionally, PVT files can be opened using third-party photo management and editing applications that are compatible with the HEVC video format, such as Adobe Photoshop and iMovie.
For devices and applications that do not support the PVT format, users can convert PVT files into a more widely recognized format, such as JPG for still images or MOV for videos. This can be done using various online conversion tools or dedicated video editing software. Once converted, the files can be opened and played on a broader range of devices and platforms.
PVT File Format
The PVT file extension is associated with renamed Live Photos, a feature introduced by Apple in iOS 11. Live Photos capture a few seconds of motion before and after taking a still image, allowing users to relive the moment as a short video. When a Live Photo is renamed, its file extension changes from .MOV to .PVT. This change serves two purposes:
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Identification: The .PVT file extension helps the system distinguish between renamed Live Photos and regular videos or images. This is essential for maintaining compatibility with the Photos app and other software that supports Live Photos.
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Optimization: Renaming Live Photos to .PVT enables the system to optimize their storage. By converting the file to a different format, the system can reduce its size while preserving the key video and image data. This optimization allows Live Photos to be more efficiently managed and stored on devices with limited capacity.
Compatibility
PVT files are primarily designed for use with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They are compatible with the Photos app and other software applications that support Live Photos. However, it’s important to note that the PVT file extension is not universally recognized by non-Apple devices and software. If you attempt to open a PVT file on a device or app that does not support it, you may encounter compatibility issues.