EXR File Extension
OpenEXR Image
- File Type exr
- Developer Industrial Light & Magic
- Popularity
- Application exrtools
- Category Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a EXR file?
The EXR extension is related to OpenEXR Image and is classified in the Raster Image Files category, which contains 575 files.
EXR files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. When working with EXR files, you can rely on 17 programs, including FastPictureViewer Pro, Preview and Cinema 4D.
File Signature
HEX code: 76 2F 31 01 02 00 00 00 63 68 61 6E 6E 65 6C 73 00. ASCII code: v/1.....channels.chlist..
Programs that support EXR files
How to open a EXR file?
If you can’t open a EXR file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
FastPictureViewer Pro, Preview and Cinema 4D are among the most widely used programs for handling EXR files. To install the most up-to-date edition of exrtools, visit the official Billy Biggs website. You can download the build that works across all operating systems.
Once the process is complete, exrtools should take over as the default application for EXR files.
Set exrtools to open EXR by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired EXR file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
- Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for exrtools. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Change default programs in Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your EXR file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- Find the exrtools application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening EXR files.
How to edit a EXR file?
To modify EXR files, it is necessary to install dedicated software that lets you open and edit raster image files. Online EXR editors generally offer fewer tools compared to programs designed for OpenEXR Image.
Best EXR Editor Software in 2026
Based on the criteria above, here is a selection of EXR editors you can use.
| EXR Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Blender | Blender Foundation | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Adobe After Effects | Adobe | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (42 reviews) |
| Cinema 4D | MAXON | Windows, Mac OS | 4.8 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
| exrtools | Billy Biggs | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Autodesk 3ds Max | Autodesk | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| PhotoPlus | Serif Europe | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
| Hydra | Creaceed | Mac OS | 4.4 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| GIMP | The GIMP Team | Windows, Linux, Mac OS | 4.3 out of 5 (43 reviews) |
| TerraGen | Planetside | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
Convert files to and from EXR
When a EXR file is not easy to work with, converting it to formats like MOV, JPG, JPEG, PNG, XCF or other comparable types may help.
It is important to understand that converting a EXR file might limit certain functions, but this conversion is usually reversible.
Offline software, including Blender, Adobe After Effects and darktable, allows smooth conversion of EXR files while preserving original quality.
Convert EXR to other file formats
Converting Files to EXR Format
Easy EXR Troubleshooting
Rest assured, any issues with EXR files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.
Are there any techniques or tools available to repair a damaged EXR file?
In a data recovery program, open the damaged EXR file and select the "Repair" menu option. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged raster image files.
How do I know if my EXR file has been damaged?
The signs of corrupted EXR raster image files can manifest as:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- The file shows slow performance when edited in exrtools;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained EXR file size inflation;
- exrtools or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
What factors contribute to exrtools crash?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind exrtools crash. Keep your Billy Biggs products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.