What is PICT format?

PICT (Apple Macintosh QuickDraw/PICT)

The PICT (Picture) file format originated in the early days of Apple's Macintosh computers and was designed to store both vector and raster graphics. It serves as a versatile format that can encapsulate various kinds of graphic data, making it popular in graphic design applications and for illustrations. PICT files can include a wide range of image types, such as simple drawings, complex illustrations, and even text elements.

One of the notable features of the PICT format is its capability to store multiple images within a single file, allowing for the representation of graphics in different resolutions and color depths. This makes it particularly useful for applications that require scalable graphics or images that need to be displayed at varying sizes without loss of quality.

The PICT format has historically been used in desktop publishing, graphic design, and software development. With its integration into the Macintosh operating system, it became a standard format for graphic files, especially in the context of early multimedia applications. However, as technology evolved, other file formats such as PNG and JPEG became more prevalent for web use, leading to a decline in PICT's popularity.

Despite this decline, PICT files are still recognized in legacy systems and by certain graphic design applications. They can be opened and edited with various graphic design software, making them relevant for users working with older files or software that still supports the format. The format's ability to contain both bitmap and vector images provides a unique flexibility that some users may still find advantageous.

In summary, while the PICT file format may not be as widely used today, it remains an important part of graphic design history and continues to serve specific niches within the graphic arts community.

What programs can open PICT format?

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple Preview
  • CorelDRAW
  • GIMP
  • GraphicConverter

Use cases for PICT format?

  • Creating and storing illustrations for print and digital media
  • Designing graphics for Macintosh-based applications
  • Archiving legacy graphic files from older software
  • Exporting and importing images between graphic design applications