raster format

What is a .ART file?

ART is AOL's compressed image format from its 1990s software, which automatically recompressed web images — now obsolete and rarely seen.

Full name
AOL ART Image
Developed by
Johnson-Grace / AOL
Released
1992
Extension
.art
MIME type
image/art
Transparency
Varies

How to open a ART file

ART opens in old AOL software and a few converters like IrfanView; convert to JPG/PNG to view today.

What ART files are used for

Photos & web images

Share, post and embed pictures across sites and apps.

Editing & design

Work with the format in editors like Photoshop and GIMP.

Storage & archiving

Keep memories and assets in a widely-readable form.

Strengths & limitations

✔ Strengths✖ Limitations
Purpose-built for its nicheNo transparency support
Limited support — may need converting

Need more than a conversion?

Remove the background from ART images, upscale to 4K, or generate new visuals with SharkFoto AI.

Frequently asked questions

ART is AOL's compressed image format from its 1990s software, which automatically recompressed web images — now obsolete and rarely seen.

ART opens in old AOL software and a few converters like IrfanView; convert to JPG/PNG to view today.

ART is optimised for its specific use rather than strictly lossless storage.

Use SharkFoto's free tools — upload your ART file and convert it to a more convenient format in seconds. It's free, processed securely and never stored.

No — ART doesn't store transparency; convert to PNG or WEBP if you need it.