ALPHA File Extension

What is ALPHA file?

Full format name of files that use ALPHA extension is GIMP Data Format. Files with ALPHA extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. ALPHA file format, along with 6033 other file formats, belongs to the Misc Files category. The most popular program for handling ALPHA files is GIMP, but users can choose among 2 different programs that support this file format. Software named GIMP was created by The GIMP Team. In order to find more detailed information on the software and ALPHA files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support ALPHA file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support ALPHA files. Files with ALPHA 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: 08/13/2020

How to open file with ALPHA extension?

Problems with accessing ALPHA may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to GIMP Data 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. Install GIMP software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ALPHA files is that no program that can handle ALPHA files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download GIMP and install it on your device. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download GIMP installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit The GIMP Team website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of GIMP and update if needed

If you already have GIMP installed on your systems and ALPHA files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that GIMP cannot handle files with ALPHA may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of GIMP is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign GIMP to ALPHA files

After installing GIMP (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open ALPHA files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with ALPHA extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ALPHA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the ALPHA file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the ALPHA file hinders attempts to open it. 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 ALPHA file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic ALPHA file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with ALPHA extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the GIMP Data Format file again.

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

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

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

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

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