PCX File Extension

What is PCX file?

The Paintbrush Bitmap Image file format is one of the oldest file extensions that has been in use ever since the beginning of the Windows operating system. While it has been outdated and replaced by more improved image formats, it was developed by ZSoft as a raster image file in a binary form. The .pcx file has the ability to support color images represented using 24 bits, grayscale images represented in 8 bits, and black and white images represented using 1 bit. It is still supported by various different designs and image processing software developed by Adobe, Corel, and others.

Programs which support PCX file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PCX files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with PCX extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/24/2020

How to open file with PCX extension?

Problems with accessing PCX may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with PCX extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Adobe Photoshop

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PCX files is that no program that can handle PCX files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Photoshop or different compatible program, such as Adobe Illustrator, PaintShop Pro, Canvas. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Adobe Photoshop installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Adobe Systems Incorporated website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Adobe Photoshop to the latest version

If the problems with opening PCX files still occur even after installing Adobe Photoshop, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Photoshop is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Adobe Photoshop cannot handle files with PCX may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Adobe Photoshop should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PCX files to Adobe Photoshop

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PCX files with latest version of Adobe Photoshop you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the PCX file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Adobe Photoshop is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PCX files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the PCX file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PCX extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the PCX file is complete and free of errors

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 PCX file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the PCX file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PCX file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the PCX file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the PCX file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the PCX 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. If the PCX file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Adobe Photoshop

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PCX files affecting older versions of given software.

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