Opening an X3F File

The X3F file type is primarily associated with Sigma Photo Pro.

X3FFile Extension X3F
 File extension: X3F
File type:  image file

What is an X3F file?

X3F files mostly belong to Sigma Photo Pro. An X3F file is the raw image format used by Sigma cameras. It stores the unprocessed data from the camera sensor along with embedded metadata for exposure, white balance, and color profiles.
Files in this format hold the data needed for precise post-processing and are typically handled with software designed for raw image editing.
Key details sourced by FilExt.com include:
  • It contains raw sensor data.
  • It embeds camera-specific metadata.
  • It is optimized for detailed image adjustments.
  • It is best viewed and processed using Sigma Photo Pro.
    • FilExt.com tip: Using dedicated raw processing software ensures that the full quality and detail of the image is maintained, which is essential for later editing and correction.

    How to open X3F files

    You need a suitable software like Sigma Photo Pro to open an X3F 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 X3F file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a X3F file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

    Online X3F File Viewer

    Choose your .x3f file to view this image
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    How to convert X3F files to JPG, PDF, HTML, DOC, ...

    You can convert X3F files using our online X3F file viewer (powered by Convert.Guru):
    1. Just click the "Choose your .x3f file to view this image" button on this page.
    2. Your X3F file will then be displayed in the browser.
    3. Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
    4. Then click the file format (e.g. PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
    5. Your file will be converted and downloaded.

    Programs that open and convert X3F files:

    1. Sigma Photo Pro
      See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. X3F files are often referred to as Sigma Photo Pro camera raws because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
    2. Sigma Camera (RAW Picture File) by Sigma
      Use the SIGMA Photo Pro software provided with the camera to download and manipulate the photos. The Foveon X3 direct image sensor captures all three colors at every pixel location and requires special software to manipulate the RAW files. Any camera with a Foveon sensor may be able to save and use this format. The identifying characters used for this association are - Hex: 46 4F 56 62, ASCII: FOVb. This file format is classified as Graphic. Related links: Foveon

    Technical Data for X3F File Extension

    File classification:
    Camera Raw
    Identifier:
    Hex: 46 4F 56 62, ASCII: FOVb (provided by TrID database)
    Related files:
    cr2, nef, arw, raf, dng, blp, p
    Related links:
    Foveon
    Mime type:
    image/x-raw-sigma, image/x-minolta-mrw, image/x-nikon-nef

    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: ACDSee 7.0.x3f
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\7.0\ACDSee7.exe %1
    ProgramID: XnView.Image
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\XnView\xnview.exe %1
    ProgramID: Photoshop.CameraRawFileFoveon.9
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS2\Photoshop.exe %1
    ProgramID: ACDSee 7.0.x3f
    EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\Program Files\ACD Systems\ACDSee\7.0\ACDSee7.exe %1
    ProgramID: ACDSee 8.0.x3f
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ACD Systems\ACDSee\8.0\ACDSee8.exe %1
    ProgramID: Photoshop.CameraRawFileFoveon.10
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Photoshop.exe
    ProgramID: DigitalFotoMaker.5.x3f
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\MAGIX\FOTO_M~1\FOTOMA~1.EXE
    ProgramID: Photoshop.CameraRawFileFoveon.10
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PhootoshopCS\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Photoshop.exe
    ProgramID: MyViewPad.x3f
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\My ViewPad\MyViewPad.exe
    ProgramID: Sigma X3F Image
    EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ArcSoft\RAW Thumbnail Viewer\RAW Thumbnail Viewer.exe
    Show all 10 listingsTo Top

    an x3f image file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

    How to solve problems with X3F files

    • Associate the X3F file extension with the correct application.
    • Update your software that should actually open image files. Because only the current version supports the latest X3F file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Sigma Photo Pro update.
    • To make sure that your X3F file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
    • Click here to open your .X3F file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.
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    X3F file viewer X3F file description