Opening an EXR File

The EXR file type is primarily associated with After Effects.

EXRFile Extension EXR
File extension: EXR
File type:  image

What is an EXR file?

EXR files mostly belong to After Effects by Adobe. EXR is the filename extension of images saved in the OpenEXR (also known as EXR) raster image file format. An EXR file contains a high dynamic range image with multiple channels (RGB, diffuse, alpha, and normal) having different pixel sizes. The content of these files can also include multiple points of view and multi-layer graphics data which is suitable for editing purposes. It supports lossy and lossless compression methods as well as 16-bit floating point, 32-bit floating point, and 32-bit integer color depths. You may view or open images stored in EXR format with programs such as GIMP, Photoshop, After Effects, 3DS Max, and Blender.

How do you open EXR files?

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

Online EXR File Viewer

Choose your .exr file to view this image

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How do you convert EXR files to JPG, PNG, SVG, PDF, ...

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

Programs that open and convert EXR files:

  1. After Effects by Adobe
    See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. EXR files are often referred to as After Effects raster images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
  2. Maya (image) by Autodesk
    Maya is a 3D modeling and animation software for creating photorealistic scenes, shapes, simulations, and animations. EXR is one of the file formats used for compositing images and image data in Maya. This file format is classified as Raster Image. Related links: OpenEXR, Blender, GIMP
  3. Photoshop (image) by Adobe
    Photoshop is a raster image editing software for mobile and desktop platforms. It may be used to edit, resize, enhance, or convert one raster image file format to another. Images stored in EXR format are supported by Photoshop. This file format is classified as Raster Image. Related links: OpenEXR, Blender, GIMP

EXR file format:

If you know the file format, you can also find out how to open or edit the file. A file format is determined by the file extension and signature, so JPEG images have the extension .jpg and the first bytes in the file are ÿØÿ. However, different programs can use the same file extension. Furthermore, a file extension can be renamed incorrectly and double-clicking on it will then display an error when it is opened. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Below is our analysis of the EXR files:

The EXR extension is quite commonly used. The file itself mainly uses a special format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

The remaining 4% of all EXR files are files with no common format. Tagged as photo, studio, displacement, imageedit, fantasy, exodus, reborn, metal, metro, realm, small or view. You can get all the details of your EXR file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .exr file to view this image" above.

Technical Data for EXR File Extension

File classification:
Raster Image
Related files:
hdr, webp, erx, cxr, 0001, ext, esr, zip, png, xcr, jpg, xer, kra, xtr, ecr, online, exp, cr2, tx, hd, aep, aex, ffx
Related links:
Mime type:

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: Photoshop.OpenEXRFile.10
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PhootoshopCS\Adobe Photoshop CS3\Photoshop.exe

ProgramID: MyViewPad.exr
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\My ViewPad\MyViewPad.exe


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

How to solve problems with EXR files

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