raster format

What is a .MAC file?

MAC is the MacPaint format from the original 1984 Macintosh, storing simple 1-bit black-and-white images at 576×720 — a piece of computing history.

Full name
MacPaint Image
Developed by
Apple
Released
1984
Extension
.mac
MIME type
image/mac
Transparency
Varies

How to open a MAC file

MAC opens in GraphicConverter and ImageMagick; convert to PNG for modern viewing.

What MAC 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 MAC images, upscale to 4K, or generate new visuals with SharkFoto AI.

Frequently asked questions

MAC is the MacPaint format from the original 1984 Macintosh, storing simple 1-bit black-and-white images at 576×720 — a piece of computing history.

MAC opens in GraphicConverter and ImageMagick; convert to PNG for modern viewing.

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

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

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