3 steps to open file with PEF extension
Usually solving problems with PEF file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open PEF file now!
PEF File Extension
- File type Pentax Electronic Format
- File developer Pentax
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PEF file?
The PEF (Pentax Electronic Format) image format is the proprietary RAW (camera raw) image format of the Pentax digital SLR cameras as used in photography. This file type stores information captured by digital camera sensors and provides more flexibility and options when it comes to post-processing images. It is a 12-bit file format, meaning that its image quality is high and the resulting photo files are relatively large.
Compared to other digital camera file formats such as JPEG, PEF offers more data about each image and is especially useful for professionals who need to work with fine-tuned details in post-processing. Although it isn't necessarily a universal format, many image viewing/editing programs are capable of working with various types of RAW formats, including PEF.
How to open PEF file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of PEF extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps
Step 1: Install a program that supports PEF files
If an application that supports PEF files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with PEF extension by default.
Hint for Mac OS users
For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the PEF file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.
Step 2: Find and download proper software
Inability to open PEF files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with PEF files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with PEF extension
Step 3: Check the PEF file for errors
Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:
- PEF file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
- Structure of given PEF file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
- Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
- It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related PEF file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
- If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
