All about PAX Files

The PAX file type is primarily associated with pax.

PAXFile Extension PAX
 File extension: PAX
File type:  compressed archive file

What is a PAX file

PAX files mostly belong to pax by Mark H. Colburn. PAX is an extension used on two different types of files:

  • Portable Archive Files: These files are created by a command line utility known as PAX that's mostly used for creating and extracting archives. This utility supports a range of formats, such as BCPIO, CPIO, TAR, USTAR and SV4CPIO. Sometimes, PAX files are used as substitutes for the CPIO and TAR formats. However, this extension isn't used as commonly as its alternatives because archives used by PAX often keep their original extension and by default the utility uses the USTAR format to create the archives.
  • PickAx Encrypted Image: The PAX extension can also be found on PickAx encrypted images. PickAx, an image browser, uses the PAX format due to its support of lossless compression for images by using technology similar to that used in PNG files. The image files are small, without loss of image detail. Security is provided by the Blowfish encryption algorithm.
  • Adoption: Though not commonly used, PAX files' algorithm makes it possible for the files to be read and extracted by various utilities throughout different operating systems. For example, on Windows based systems, the 7-Zip utility can read these files, while The Unarchiver and Apple Archive Utility can do so on MacOS. The command-line pax program can work on both Linux and MacOS based systems.

How can I open a PAX file?

You need a suitable software like pax to open a PAX file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your PAX file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PAX file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online PAX File Viewer

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How to convert PAX files to ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ, ...

If you want to convert or edit a PAX file, you can use our free Online PAX File Converter (powered by Convert.Guru):
  1. To do so, click the "Choose your .pax file to view this image" button above.
  2. Your PAX file will then be displayed in the browser.
  3. Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
  4. Then select the file format (e.g. ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ, ...) you want.
  5. Your file will be converted and downloaded.

Programs that open and convert PAX files:

  1. pax by Mark H. Colburn
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PAX files are often referred to as pax compresseds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. Personal Ancestral File by Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
  3. PickAx (encrypted graphic file) by Smaller Animals
    PickAx is a tool for encrypting image files. PAX is the file format for the encrypted image. It is encrypted using the Blowfish encryption algorithm. This file format is classified as Encoded. Related links: Article on PAX, Password Finder for PAX File
  4. Project A.R.S.E Brain File

Technical Data for PAX File Extension

File classification:
Compressed
Related files:
vpax, paxe, z, pck, gz, pak, paz, zip, pbix, rar
Related links:
pax on Wikipedia, Format Definition, pax Introduction, pax Tutorial, pax Readme.txt File
Mime type:
application/octet-stream

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: XnView.Image
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1
ProgramID: mks_vpax
EXEFile: vpax.exe \%1\ %*
ProgramID: mks_vpax
EXEFile: vpax.exe %*

a pax compressed archive file is a special file format by Mark H. Colburn and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PAX files

  • Associate the PAX file extension with the correct application.
  • Update your software that should actually open compressed archive files. Because only the current version supports the latest PAX file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Mark H. Colburn manufacturer website after an available pax update.
  • To make sure that your PAX file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
  • Click here to open your .PAX file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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