I cannot open a PNG 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 PNG files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PNG will be resolved!
PNG File Extension
- File type Portable Network Graphic
- File developer N/A
- File category Raster Image Files
-
File popularity rating
-
What is a(n) PNG file?
The image file with the extension .PNG stores a bitmap of indexed colors, thanks to which the graphics saved in this format do not lose quality. Unlike a similar .GIF format, the extension is not patent protected and allows an 8-bit transparency channel. Most graphics on the Internet use this extension. The format does not support CMYK colors.
How to open PNG file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PNG 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 PNG files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PNG files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support PNG files
Step 2. Verify whether PNG files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports PNG files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PNG 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 PNG 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 PNG files with the selected program.
Changing PNG file association in registry
File association for PNG 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 PNG file for other errors
- PNG file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening PNG files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PNG file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For PNG 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.
