ACO File Extension
Adobe Photoshop Color Swatch Format
- File Type aco
- Developer Adobe Systems
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Graphics Files
- Format Binary
What is a ACO file?
Files with the ACO extension are specifically tied to Adobe Photoshop Color Swatch Format, a Graphics Files type, and there are 556 files in this category.
Adobe, the developer of the Adobe Photoshop Color Swatch Format (ACO), has released file format and 81 programs designed to handle them.
ACO files are compatible with various operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows and Linux as well as mobile platforms such as Apple iOS. There are 6 programs available to open a ACO file, including popular tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Color CC.
Programs that support ACO files
How to open a ACO file?
If you are having trouble opening a ACO file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Color CC are among the most widely used programs for handling ACO files. To set up the newest version of Adobe Photoshop on your device, simply go to the official Adobe website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Adobe Photoshop as the default app for ACO files.
Set Adobe Photoshop as the default ACO program
Change Default Program on Mac
- Right click or Control + left click on the desired ACO file;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change default programs in Windows
- To get started, right-click your ACO file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- In the pop-up window, select the Adobe Photoshop application;
- Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening ACO files.
How to edit a ACO file?
To modify ACO files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit graphics files. Online ACO editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for Adobe Photoshop Color Swatch Format.
Best ACO editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended ACO editors.
| ACO Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
Convert files to and from ACO
If you struggle with a ACO file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as PNG, PSD, ASE or other similar file types.
It is important to understand that converting a ACO file might limit certain functions, but this conversion is usually reversible.
Convert ACO to other file formats
Converting Files to ACO Format
Solve problems with ACO files
If you encounter issues with ACO files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the steps to repair a damaged ACO file?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged ACO file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged graphics files.
How can I determine if my ACO file is damaged?
The signs of corrupted ACO graphics files can manifest as:
- Trying to work with the archive in Adobe Photoshop or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the ACO file;
- The file shows slow performance when edited in Adobe Photoshop;
What are the reasons behind Adobe Photoshop crash?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Adobe Photoshop crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Adobe products.
Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.