KRA File

Images created or edited in the raster graphics editor Krita are by default saved in files with the .KRA extension. These files save the image or photograph in a lossless manner along with working elements, hence they might take up a significant amount of storage space. This is a format similar in utility to working files in other graphic editing programs, such as PSD or XCF. The files are in the ZIP archive format, with strictly specified components in an open specification. They can be compressed, in which case they have the .KRZ extension.

What elements are stored in KRA files?

• Image layers,
• Adjustment layers,
• Applied masks,
• Adjusted color spaces
• and other elements specific to the Krita software.

Editing raster graphics may rely on a variety of differing tools, animations, masks. KRA files also contain a mergedimage.png file that is the rendered graphics visible within the program.

Handling and exporting .KRA files

KRA images are the native save format for Krita. It is free, open-source, available on Windows, Linux, and MacOS. However, once the editing of the file is concluded, to share the work results, the graphic should be saved in another format. This requires the use of an export tool that is part of the program. With its help, you can save them as JPEG, PNG, or GIF images.