File extension .PCX
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Paintbrush Bitmap Image | ZSoft | Raster Image Files |
The PCX .PCX file extension is associated with a bitmap image file format developed by ZSoft Corporation. It is primarily used in the software programs Paintbrush, MS-DOS and in Windows. PCX has been around since the 1980s and was one of the first widely used raster graphic file formats. It supports 8-bit color graphics, which uses 8 bits for each red, green and blue channel and thus allows a maximum color palette of 256 colors. The data structure of PCX files is simple, so they can be read by multiple imaging programs easily.
File Format
PCX files contain data structures that are organized into three sections: header, image encoding data, and palette info. The header contains information about the picture size, planes used, colordepth and the origin of the image in computer memory. After the header, there is a scan-line encoding of every 2, 4 or 8 bit pixels depending on the colorDepth value set in header. The last section is something called the palette information which defines the 256 colors if needed due to less than 24-bit color depth.
Usage
PCX files are used in various computer applications such as photo retouching, presentation making, presentation folders etc.. It is also used to handle screenshots for general usage. Other similar file extension which can open PCX files include .DCX, .GIF, .TIFF, .PNG, .JPG.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .PCX) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .PCX extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .PCX file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .PCX extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .PCX extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .PCX file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .PCX file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .PCX file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .PCX file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .PCX file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
Do you have suggestions for this website?
contact @ fileextension.info Use the Contact Form