Files with the extension RIFF contain bitmap images of the painting software Corel Painter in the format Resource Interchange File Format. This format was introduced by IBM and Microsoft in 1991. It is based on IFF (Interchange File Formats) developed by Electronic Arts (EA) and Commodore for the Amiga. Painter uses a special, slightly modified version of RIFF.
RIFF is the basis for various Microsoft container formats such as AVI, ANI, and WAV. Apple implemented its own variant with AIFF. Google's WebP and Corels CDR also use RIFF as a container.
The format is designed to contain a wide variety of data. It's a wrapper, similar to a modern container format, but simpler in design. The files can contain audio data, pictures, videos or even texts.
The basic structure consists of chunks, in which the format and the properties are defined, also metadata are possible. A chunk then contains the actual data. These can be textual, raw or numeric.
Corel Painter is a paint program that physically simulates various surfaces, painting and drawing techniques.
Most often resolving problems with opening RIFF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support RIFF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of RIFF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such 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 RIFF 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 Corel Painter applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Corel Painter has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening RIFF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: