PCX File Extension
Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format
- File Type pcx
- Developer ZSoft
- Popularity
- Application Adobe Photoshop
- Category Dangerous Files, Raster Image Files
- Format Binary
What is a PCX file?
The PCX extension is used by Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format and falls under the categories of Dangerous Files and Raster Image Files, covering 661 files.
PCX file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. There are 13 programs available to view a PCX file, including popular tools like FastStone Image Viewer, XnView and ACDSee Photo Manager.
MIME types
- image/x-pcx
- application/x-pcx
- image/pcx
- image/x-pc-paintbrush
- application/pcx
- zz-application/zz-winassoc-pcx
Programs that support PCX files
How to open a PCX file?
If you are having trouble opening a PCX 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.
Thanks to their popularity, FastStone Image Viewer, XnView and ACDSee Photo Manager are often the go-to programs for managing PCX files. To install the updated version of Adobe Photoshop, simply go to the Adobe site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle PCX files via Adobe Photoshop.
Setting Adobe Photoshop as default PCX viewer
Change the default app for a file type in Mac
- Initiate a right click or use Control + left click on the desired PCX file to open a menu where you can select various actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
- Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for Adobe Photoshop. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
Change a default app in Windows
- To get started, right-click your PCX file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
- Choose Adobe Photoshop from the available applications listed in the pop-up window to set it as the default application to open your PCX file;
- Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to confirm your selection.
Tips and tricks to solve problems with PCX files
PCX files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.
Why does Adobe Photoshop stop responding or crash intermittently?
Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of Adobe Photoshop crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Adobe products.
Restarting your computer is an essential troubleshooting step that can resolve many common problems. It is recommended to restart your computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What are the best practices for repairing a PCX file that has gone bad?
Start a data recovery program and open the damaged PCX file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Wait for the recovery process to finish, allowing automatic repair of damaged dangerous files.
How can I determine if my PCX file is damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted PCX dangerous files can include:
- The file stops responding or freezes in Adobe Photoshop or other programs;
- Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
- The file does not respond or shows errors when opening it;
- Unexplained PCX file size inflation;
- Editing the archive in Adobe Photoshop is hampered by poor overall performance;
How to edit a PCX file?
To modify PCX files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit dangerous files. Online PCX editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Paintbrush Bitmap Image Format.
Best PCX Editor Software in 2026
With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of PCX editors.
| PCX Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | Adobe | Windows, Mac OS | 4.9 out of 5 (47 reviews) |
| Ability Photopaint | Ability Plus | Windows | 4.8 out of 5 (41 review) |
| Artweaver | Boris Eyrich | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| FastStone Image Viewer | FastStone Soft | Windows | 4.5 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| PhotoFiltre Studio | Antonio Da Cruz | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews) |
Convert files to and from PCX
If obstacles arise while working with a PCX file, you may convert it to formats like JPG, JPEG, PDF, BMP, EMZ or other similar types for smoother handling.
After converting a PCX file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.
With applications like Adobe Photoshop, Picture Resize Genius and FastStone Image Viewer, you can convert PCX files offline while keeping the original quality intact.