YUV File Extension

What is YUV file?

The .YUV extension is also referred to as the Y’UV file format. This is basically an image storage file format which is useful in splitting the data storage into individual components. The Y, which has been otherwise known as the luminance or brightness stands as one value, whereas the U and the V values, also called as the chrominance or color is stored as the second value.

This file type stores color details more accurately than the direct RGB details, which adheres more closely to the actual image quality. It is not much supported by several low-end graphics applications.

Programs which support YUV file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open YUV files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with YUV suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 06/10/2020

How to open file with YUV extension?

Being unable to open files with YUV extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to YUV Encoded Image Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the YUV Viewer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening YUV files is that no program that can handle YUV files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing YUV Viewer or different compatible program, such as XnView, IrfanView. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading YUV Viewer installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of YUV Viewer and update if needed

If the problems with opening YUV files still occur even after installing YUV Viewer, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of YUV Viewer is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why YUV files are not compatible with YUV Viewer. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using YUV Viewer.

Step 3. Set the default application to open YUV files to YUV Viewer

After installing YUV Viewer (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open YUV files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the YUV file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where YUV Viewer is installed, check the Always use this app to open YUV files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected YUV file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with YUV extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the YUV is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper YUV file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The YUV may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the YUV is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the YUV file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the YUV file’s structure is intact

If the YUV file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with YUV extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the YUV Encoded Image Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle YUV Viewer

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with YUV extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with YUV Encoded Image Format file. It may be the case that the YUV files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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