Open EXR files

  • Full name
    OpenEXR Image Format
  • Developer
    Industrial Light & Magic
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a EXR file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a EXR file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your EXR file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is EXR file?

EXR files are HDR (High Dynamic Range) image files in the so-called OpenEXR format. This open format published by ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) in 2003 is mainly used in the computer graphics industry. It supports multi-layer images, 16 and 32 bit color depth per pixel as well as different compression types.

More info

Various programs require a plugin depending on their version in order to process EXR files correctly. The free OpenEXR, an official Adobe OpenEXR plugin and the fnord ProEXR plugin are available.

Programs which can open a EXR file

How to open file with EXR extension?

In order to open a file with EXR extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening EXR file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with EXR files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Adobe Photoshop or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening EXR files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support EXR files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of EXR files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Adobe Photoshop as the default program for opening EXR files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate EXR files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Adobe Photoshop applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Adobe Photoshop has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with EXR files

Sometimes problems with opening EXR files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • EXR files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open EXR files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • EXR file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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