since 2000
Opening a PGW File
The PGW file type is primarily associated with GDAL.
What is a PGW file?
PGW files mostly belong to GDAL. PGW files are used to store georeferencing parameters that link a raster image to real world coordinates.
They are plain text files containing six lines of numeric data. These six numbers define the transformation from pixel space to map space. For example, the file typically includes:Pixel size in the X direction Rotation factor (Y axis) Rotation factor (X axis) Pixel size in the Y direction (usually a negative value to reflect coordinate systems) X coordinate of the upper left pixel center Y coordinate of the upper left pixel center These values enable GIS software to correctly position the associated image on a map. Programs such as ArcGIS, Global Mapper and libraries like GDAL use PGW files to perform raster georeferencing.
You can open a PGW file in a standard text editor to view its numbers; however, editing these requires an understanding of geospatial transformations.
Multiple mapping applications (for example, MapInfo Pro and GeoMedia Professional) produce and use these files, even when they are alternatively called Geospatial World Files or GeoTIFF world files.
FilExt.com note: Keep the PGW file with its corresponding image to ensure that georeferencing is preserved.
They are plain text files containing six lines of numeric data. These six numbers define the transformation from pixel space to map space. For example, the file typically includes:
You can open a PGW file in a standard text editor to view its numbers; however, editing these requires an understanding of geospatial transformations.
Multiple mapping applications (for example, MapInfo Pro and GeoMedia Professional) produce and use these files, even when they are alternatively called Geospatial World Files or GeoTIFF world files.
FilExt.com note: Keep the PGW file with its corresponding image to ensure that georeferencing is preserved.
How to open PGW files
You need a suitable software like GDAL to open a PGW 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 PGW file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PGW file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online PGW Text Viewer
or drag and drop it here
Read our privacy guarantee in Filext’s terms and privacy policy
Please allow ads on our site
This helps us keep our servers running. Then re-upload your file to view it.Click here to see how to disable the ad blocker for filext.com
How to extract texts from PGW files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...
You can extract texts from PGW file or capture a preview screenshot using our online PGW file viewer:- To do this, click the button "Choose your .pgw file to view" on this page.
- Your PGW file will then be displayed in the browser.
- Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
- Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
- Download the converted file.
Programs that open and convert PGW files:
- GDAL
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PGW files are often referred to as GDAL gis because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
- Map File
PGW file format:
If you can determine the file format, the associated program can also be determined. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). If the file extension or signature does not match the file format, errors will occur when opening or editing the file. When there is a problem with a file, the first step to solving it is to determine the file format. Below is our analysis of the PGW files:
The PGW extension is very commonly used. This PGW file itself is among the most popular common file types and includes different formats for the applicable programs. The two most popular formats are as follows:
- 45% of all PGW files use the same file format, which have the signature 30 2E. These files contain text and words, not binary data. The files are 53 bytes to 100 bytes in size, with a median of 92 bytes. The file type is a fairly new file format. The file name Govmap.pgw is typical for these files. These files are often associated with export, mapant, frame, image, ortho, pullautus, outline, daily, limit and true.
- 9% of all PGW files start with the magic bytes 31 2E, which are always the first bytes of this file format. These files are plain text, which means they can be viewed with any text editor such as Windows Editor, Nano for Linux, and TextEdit for macOS. The files are often between 48 bytes and 100 bytes in size. The file name Govmap.pgw is typical for these files.
The remaining 46% of all PGW files are different files with different signatures. Files like these are sometimes linked to kartbilde, collection, satellite, meter, coverage, aerial, ljaumc, raster, cacak, lassi, study, area, clip, depr, foto or qgis. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your PGW file!
Technical Data for PGW File Extension
File classification:
GIS
Related files:
Mime type:
a pgw plain text file is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with PGW files
- Associate the PGW file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open plain text files. Because only the current version supports the latest PGW file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available GDAL update.
- To make sure that your PGW file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .PGW file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.