Close
Search
Choose language Languages Arrow

3 steps to open file with PVR extension

Usually solving problems with PVR file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open PVR file now!

  1. 1. PVR File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) PVR file?
  3. 3. How to open PVR file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports PVR files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with PVR extension
    3. 3.3 Check the PVR file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

PVR File Extension

File
  • File type POWERVR Texture Format
  • File developer Imagination Technologies
  • File category Raster Image Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
    • Star
Preview

What is a(n) PVR file?

PVR (POWERVR Texture file) is a file format for three-dimensional textures used in video game applications with the PowerVR rendering engine. It stores pre-rendered 2D graphics in a compressed PNG format. PVR files contain a header followed by the texture data, which may be encoded using several different compression algorithms. These files are widely used by mobile devices, such as phones and tablets.

PVR files can be opened with a variety of image viewing software, including Polygon Cruncher or Imagination Technologies' PowerVR Tools. To modify images stored in a PVR file, they need to be converted to another file format and then reshaped using a third-party editor. For textures that require extra effects, such as height maps or normal maps, they should be converted into DDSf or KTX files.

Open

How to open PVR file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of PVR 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 PVR files

If an application that supports PVR 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 PVR extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

Bulb

For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the PVR 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 PVR 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 PVR files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with PVR extension

Windows programs
Windows
Linux programs
Linux

Step 3: Check the PVR 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:

  • PVR 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 PVR 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 PVR 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

Similar file extensions

Submit File

Browse A-Z