All about DXT Files

The DXT file type is primarily associated with DirectX Texture Tool.

DXT	File extension: DXT
	File type:	compressed texture file

What is a DXT file

DXT files mostly belong to DirectX Texture Tool. *DXT files are compressed texture files used in 3D graphics and game engines.
These files store image data in a compressed format that helps reduce memory usage and speeds up rendering.

They are mainly used by the DirectX Texture Tool to manage DDS texture files.

They employ S3TC compression techniques for efficient storage.

Other tools like DXTView use these files to display compressed image textures. For more details, visit DXTView project.

Game engines such as CrytEngine can also work with these compressed textures. Additional info is available at CryEngine website.

FilExt.com tip: This format is abbreviated as DirectX Texture and is critical for real-time texture mapping in games and other graphics-intensive applications.

How to open a DXT file

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

Online DXT Text Viewer

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Programs that open and convert DXT files:

DirectX Texture Tool
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. DXT files are often referred to as DirectX Texture Tool compresseds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
DirectX Texture Tool
The *.DXT file extension refers to a family of texture compression formats commonly used in 3D graphics and game development. DXT, originally developed by S3 Graphics, stands for DirectX Texture Compression. These files store image data in a compressed form, optimized for efficient loading and rendering by graphics hardware. Several variations of the DXT format exist (e.g., DXT1, DXT3, DXT5), each offering different compression ratios and features, such as support for alpha channels. DXT compression is widely adopted due to its real-time decompression capabilities and broad hardware support across various platforms. This file format is classified as Compressed texture image file.

DXT file format:

Every file has a defined file format, i.e. how the data is arranged in the file. The file format can be deduced from the file extension and the signature. File extension, signature and file format must match; otherwise errors will occur when the file is opened. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our evaluation of the DXT files is as follows:

DXT is not a common file extension and is used by different programs with different formats. The file formats most commonly found in DXT files are:

45% of all DXT files start with the magic bytes DDS |, which are always the first bytes of this file format. They consist of illegible, cryptic characters. The file size is in the range of 21 KB to 340 KB. The file type is old but is used even today. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as DDS !. Such DXT files store data about aura, bluemh, anhong and line.
8% of all DXT files have the same signature ATF. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. A typical file size is 500 KB. Such files sometimes refer to hero.

All the rest of the DXT files (47%) have different formats, such as oCTexture and NTF. These files sometimes refer to texture, user, characters, asterix, francia, belso, smurf or icon. Just click the "Choose your .dxt file to analyze" button on this page to find out what your DXT file is.

Technical Data for DXT File Extension

File classification:

Compressed

Related files:

dds, dxt1, dxt3, dxt5, ktx, dtx, dxm, amd, n3, dx, xbx, ba, tbl, texture

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: AutoCADDXFIXSupport, FileType: AutoCAD DXFIX Support, AppName: Notepad

ProgramID: AutoCADLTDXFIXSupport, FileType: AutoCAD LT DXFIX Support, AppName: Notepad
EXEFile: notepad.exe

ProgramID: AutoCADDXFIXSupport
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\NOTEPAD.EXE %1

ProgramID: AutoCADLTDXFIXSupport
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\NOTEPAD.EXE %1

Show all 4 listings To Top

a dxt compressed texture file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with DXT files

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