ACB File Extension

What is ACB file?

ACB is a settings file format used by Adobe Photoshop. ACB files store color palette settings in the form of records that comprise a color book. Each record corresponds to single color and has such attributes a name, code, color model used (CMYK/RGB), luminance, and chrominance. ACB files also contain a header section with package name, version, title, and number of records stored in the file.

Uses of color books.

Color books are used for standardizing color settings across projects. Some color settings are better for monitor display while others are better for print. Default ACB files are saved in color books subfolder located in presets folder. Color books can be accessed via Color Library panel.

Programs which support ACB file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ACB files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. ACB files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/06/2023

How to open file with ACB extension?

Problems with accessing ACB may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with ACB extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ACB files.

Step 1. Download and install Adobe Photoshop

Problems with opening and working with ACB files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with ACB files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Photoshop or different compatible program, such as Adobe InDesign, ACB2XML, Adobe Creative Suite. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ACB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Adobe Photoshop installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Adobe Photoshop and update if needed

You still cannot access ACB files although Adobe Photoshop is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. 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 ACB may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Photoshop.

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

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the ACB with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the 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 ACB files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ACB file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Adobe Photoshop and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with ACB extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ACB file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the ACB is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the ACB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the ACB file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the ACB 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 Adobe Photoshop Color Book Format file again.

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

If the systems has insufficient resources to open ACB files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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 Adobe Photoshop Color Book Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the ACB files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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