1. EXR File Extension
2. What is a(n) EXR file?
3. How to open EXR file?

3.1 Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
3.2 Install a program that supports EXR files
1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with EXR extension
3.3 Check for other possible causes of errors
3.4 Contact an expert

4. Similar file extensions

EXR File Extension

File type OpenEXR Image
File developer Industrial Light & Magic
File category Raster Image Files
File popularity rating

What is a(n) EXR file?

EXR (OpenEXR Image) is a high dynamic-range (HDR) image file format developed by Industrial Light & Magic for use in computer imaging applications. It is widely used in the visual effects and animation industries due to its ability to store and manipulate larger color ranges than traditional 8-bit and 10-bit formats. The file format supports 16-bit integer, 32-bit floating point, and compression formats.

EXR files can typically contain up to 48 bits of color data per pixel, allowing for extremely high quality renders and post-processing workflows that take multiple passes on a single file. It also supports multiband images up to 32 channels per pixel for true 32-bit float HDR, and has built-in support for deep compositing. EXR is an open file format, supported by most professional image editing software packages.

How to open EXR file?

In some cases problems may occur when trying to open EXR files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.

Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software

The first thing user should do is to associate application with EXR files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports EXR files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with EXR files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.

In order to open EXR file, focus on steps 1 and 2

In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with EXR extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.

Step 2 – Install a program that supports EXR files

Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting EXR files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:

Programs that support files with EXR extension

Windows

MAC OS

Linux

darktable

Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors

Corrupted storage medium on which the EXR file is stored
File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
Compatibility issues – check whether EXR extension is compatible with user’s operating system
Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file

Step 4 – Contact an expert

If you are still unable to open EXR file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports EXR files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.

Similar file extensions

Submit File

How to open EXR files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems