PIC File Extension

PIC file icon

Generic Picture Format

What is a PIC file?

Generic Picture Format files, recognized by the PIC extension, fall into the Graphics Files, Raster Image Files and Vector Image Files categories, amounting to 1251 files.

PIC file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Linux and Mac OS. If you need to view a PIC file, you can use one of 17 programs, such as XnView, Recoil and PMView Pro.

MIME types

  • image/pict
  • image/x-pict

How to open a PIC file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a PIC file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

When it comes to opening and working with PIC files, XnView, Recoil and PMView Pro are the top choices for users. If you need the newest version of PMView Pro, just access the Blueprint website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.

Once PMView Pro is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening PIC files.

Set PMView Pro as the default PIC program

Changing Default Programs in Windows

  1. Right-click your PIC file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
  2. In the pop-up window, select the PMView Pro application;
  3. Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening PIC files.

Change Default Program on Mac

  1. Right click or Control + left click on the desired PIC file;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for PMView Pro. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

Solve problems with PIC files

If PIC files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What can lead to sudden PMView Pro crashes?

PMView Pro crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Blueprint 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.

What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged PIC file?

Open the damaged PIC file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Please be patient while the recovery process completes, which will automatically restore the damaged graphics files.

What are the telltale signs of a corrupt PIC file?

Common indications of damaged PIC graphics files are:

  • Unexplained increase in PIC file size;
  • The file causes PMView Pro or other programs to hang or crash during operation;
  • Attempts to open the file result in errors or failed results;
  • While working with the file, error messages appear;
  • Editing the archive in PhotoFiltre Studio results in slow or unresponsive behavior;

How to edit a PIC file?

To edit PIC files, it is essential to install software that supports not only viewing but also editing the graphics files. Online PIC editors provide limited functionality compared to full-featured software for Generic Picture Format.

Best PIC editors in 2026

According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available PIC editors.

PIC Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
PhotoFiltre StudioAntonio Da CruzWindows4.3 out of 5 (44 reviews)

Convert to and from PIC

If handling a PIC file is problematic, consider converting it to alternative formats such as JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, EPS or other supported types.

Keep in mind that converting a PIC file may introduce some limitations, but the original format can often be restored.

Graphic Workshop Professional are offline programs that convert PIC files to alternative formats without compromising data quality.

Convert PIC to other file formats

Converting Files to PIC Format