.PICT File Extension

Picture File

Developer	Apple
Popularity	Average rating 3.3 / 5. Vote count: 19
Category	Vector Image Files
Format	.PICT
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an PICT file?

.PICT files are raster graphics files originally associated with Apple’s Macintosh computers. They contain bitmap images in a proprietary format used primarily for storing graphics and drawings.

More Information.

.PICT files were used to store graphical data, such as drawings, clip art, and images, compatible with Macintosh applications.

Origin Of This File.

Introduced by Apple in the early days of Macintosh computers.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Format: Proprietary raster image format.
Encoding: Typically encoded in a binary format.
Content: Supports a variety of graphical elements, including lines, curves, shapes, and text.

How to Convert the File?

Windows:

Using IrfanView:
- Download and install IrfanView from its official website.
- Open IrfanView, then go to File > Open to open the .PICT file.
- Once open, go to File > Save As and choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
Using XnView:
- Download and install XnView from its official website.
- Open XnView, then navigate to the location of your .PICT file.
- Right-click on the file, choose Convert, select the output format, and click Convert.

Linux:

Using ImageMagick:
- Install ImageMagick using your package manager (e.g., sudo apt-get install imagemagick on Debian-based systems).
- Open a terminal and use the convert command.
- Replace input.pict with your .PICT file and output.png with the desired output format.
Using GIMP:
- Install GIMP from your distribution’s software repository.
- Open GIMP, then go to File > Open to open the .PICT file.
- Once open, go to File > Export As and choose the desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG).

macOS:

Using Preview:
- Open the .PICT file in Preview (usually opens by default).
- Go to File > Export and choose the format you want to convert to (e.g., JPEG, PNG).
Using GraphicConverter:
- Download and install GraphicConverter from the Mac App Store.
- Open GraphicConverter, then drag and drop your .PICT file into the application.
- Choose File > Export and select the format you wish to convert to.

Android:

Using Online Converters:
- Use a web browser on your Android device to visit an online converter like Convertio.
- Upload the .PICT file, select the output format (e.g., JPEG, PNG), and download the converted file directly to your device.

iOS:

Using Files App:
- Open the Files app on your iOS device.
- Locate the .PICT file, tap and hold it, then choose Share.
- Select an app that supports the conversion (e.g., a photo editing app), then save or export the file in the desired format.

Others (General Method):

Online Conversion Services:
- Use online converters like Convertio, Zamzar, or CloudConvert.
- Upload the .PICT file, choose the output format, and download the converted file.
Specialized Software:
- Depending on the platform and available software, some specialized graphic editing or conversion software might support .PICT files directly.
- Follow similar steps as mentioned for Windows or macOS, adapting to the specific software available on the other platform.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:

Compatibility: Historically used in many Macintosh applications.
Compression: Can be compressed to reduce file size.
Richness: Supports a variety of graphical elements and is versatile for different types of images.

Disadvantages:

Proprietary: Not widely supported outside the Macintosh ecosystem.
Compatibility Issues: May not open natively on non-Macintosh systems without conversion.
Old Format: With the evolution of graphics formats, .PICT has become less common.