I cannot open a PFI file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with PFI files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PFI will be resolved!
PFI File Extension
- File type PhotoFiltre Studio Image
- File developer PhotoFiltre Studio
- File category Raster Image Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PFI file?
The PFI (PhotoFiltre Studio Image) file format is a proprietary image file format developed by PhotoFiltre. It differs from many other image formats with its true color image editing capabilities. This format allows for the detailed manipulation of individual pixels in an image, making it ideal for digital art and photo retouching. Additionally, the embedded ICC profile makes PFI files an ideal choice for archiving high quality images.
A PFI file is defined by an extension code of .pfi, and when opened they display as a flattened 2D raster image. The PFI format can store up to 16 million colors and supports 8-bit and 16-bit categories. It also features lossless compression for better file size and image quality performance. PFI is a closed format, meaning that it can only be opened or edited using certain specialized software.
How to open PFI file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PFI extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports PFI files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PFI files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support PFI files
Step 2. Verify whether PFI files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports PFI files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PFI files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support PFI files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open PFI files with the selected program.
Changing PFI file association in registry
File association for PFI files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check PFI file for other errors
- PFI file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening PFI files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PFI file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For PFI files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
