Open P3M files

  • Full name
    Adobe Photoshop Material Preset Format
  • Developer
    Adobe Systems
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a P3M 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 P3M file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your P3M file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is P3M file?

The file extension P3M identifies default files for materials (textures) of the image editing software Adobe Photoshop. P3m files include the material and texture properties, such as gloss, reflection, and how to lay a 2D texture on a 3D object.

More info

These materials can be used to add surface features and textures to 3D objects in 3D scenes. The ability to work with 3D model data is only available in the extended version introduced since version CS3. Photoshop extended offers the possibility to import different 3D formats (eg 3DS Max) or to create objects yourself.

If you create a 3D layer, you have access to the various 3D settings windows. You can load P3M files (or select the defaults) and save them in '3D (Materials)'.

P3M files are usually placed under 'Preferences / Materials' in the main Photoshop folder. By default, various specifications are already installed. (eg wood, steel, chrome)

Programs which can open a P3M file

How to open file with P3M extension?

In order to open a file with P3M extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening P3M 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 P3M files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install Adobe Photoshop or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening P3M files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support P3M files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of P3M files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Adobe Photoshop as the default program for opening P3M 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 P3M 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 P3M files

Sometimes problems with opening P3M files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • P3M 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 P3M files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • P3M 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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