How to open PCX files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems
When you encounter a problem with an unknown PCX file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with PCX files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.
PCX File Extension
- File type Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format
- File developer ZSoft
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PCX file?
The PCX (Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format) file format is a relatively old raster image file format, commonly used on IBM PC computers running the MS-DOS operating system. It was developed by ZSoft Corporation and first released in 1981, and was widely used as a still-image format in early versions of Microsoft Paint, among other applications.
Despite its age, the PCX format is still supported by some programs today. It supports basic monochrome and full color images with 8 bits per color channel. The compression algorithm for PCX files is lossless and is based on run-length encoding. PCX files are denoted by the .pcx file name extension.
How to open PCX file?
In some cases problems may occur when trying to open PCX 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 PCX files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports PCX files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with PCX 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 PCX 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 PCX extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.
Step 2 – Install a program that supports PCX files
Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting PCX files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:
Programs that support files with PCX extension
Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors
- Corrupted storage medium on which the PCX 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 PCX 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 PCX file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports PCX files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.
