raster format

What is a .PIX file?

PIX is Alias's image format from its early 3D software (the ancestor of Maya), storing rendered frames on SGI systems.

Full name
Alias PIX Image
Developed by
Alias
Released
1986
Extension
.pix
MIME type
image/pix
Transparency
Varies

How to open a PIX file

PIX opens in some 3D and conversion tools; convert to PNG/TIFF for standard editors.

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

Frequently asked questions

PIX is Alias's image format from its early 3D software (the ancestor of Maya), storing rendered frames on SGI systems.

PIX opens in some 3D and conversion tools; convert to PNG/TIFF for standard editors.

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

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

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