PWS File Extension

What is PWS file?

Full format name of files that use PWS extension is Painter Workspace Format. Painter Workspace Format format was developed by Corel. PWS files are supported by software applications available for devices running Mac OS, Windows. PWS file format, along with 1305 other file formats, belongs to the Settings Files category. Users are advised to use Corel Painter software for managing PWS files, although 1 other programs can also handle this type of file. Corel Painter software was developed by Corel Corporation, and on its official website you may find more information about PWS files or the Corel Painter software program.

Programs which support PWS file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PWS files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. PWS files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with PWS extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PWS files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with PWS extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Corel Painter

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports PWS files installed on the system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Corel Painter and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Corel Painter website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Corel Painter to the latest version

If the problems with opening PWS files still occur even after installing Corel Painter, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software.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 The reason that Corel Painter cannot handle files with PWS may be that the software is outdated.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

Step 3. Associate Painter Workspace Format files with Corel Painter

After installing Corel Painter (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open PWS files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the PWS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Corel Painter is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PWS files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

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

Step 4. Check the PWS for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PWS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the PWS in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the PWS 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 PWS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with PWS extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the PWS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with PWS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Painter Workspace Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Corel Painter

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

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Painter Workspace Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PWS files affecting older versions of given software.

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