raster format

What is a .PCX file?

PCX is a legacy DOS-era raster format, occasionally found in old archives and software.

Full name
PC Paintbrush
Developed by
ZSoft
Released
1985
Extension
.pcx
MIME type
image/x-pcx
Transparency
No

How to open a PCX file

PCX opens in IrfanView, GIMP and legacy-friendly viewers.

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

Frequently asked questions

PCX is a legacy DOS-era raster format, occasionally found in old archives and software.

PCX opens in IrfanView, GIMP and legacy-friendly viewers.

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

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

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