How to Open Image Files

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Image files are files containing information that creates a visual image. These can end in .jpeg, .jpg, .tiff, .gif, .bmp, and .png. PNG, JPG, and GIFs are typically the most common image file formats found on the web and on your computer. If you use a photo editor to edit images, they may be saved as proprietary files (like .PSD) unless you specify otherwise. This wikiHow will show you how you can open image files on your computer as well as a mobile device using default programs. If your default program will not open an image file, you may need to download the required software. For example, a .PSD file requires Adobe Photoshop to open. Your default programs should open many of the common file formats like PNG, JPG, and GIF.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Computer

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Open-Image-Files-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Open-Image-Files-Step-1.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A menu will drop-down from your cursor.
    • This method works for both Windows and Mac computers, although the program titles may differ.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Open-Image-Files-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Open-Image-Files-Step-2.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Another menu will appear that lists all compatible programs, including Paint and Preview.
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Open-Image-Files-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Open-Image-Files-Step-3.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your image file will open in either of these programs. You can also choose to search the store for more compatible apps, which is usually the last item on the list.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Mobile Device

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Open-Image-Files-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Open-Image-Files-Step-4.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The wording of the app’s name may vary depending on the software version you are using.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Open-Image-Files-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Open-Image-Files-Step-5.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You are first directed to the top of the tree, or the main folder of your local storage. When you tap on a folder name, you are directed into that folder.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Open-Image-Files-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-Image-Files-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Open-Image-Files-Step-6.jpg\/aid11194616-v4-728px-Open-Image-Files-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For example, your image file can open in Photos, the default image app for iOS.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Navigate to and right-click your image file.
      2. Click Open With .
      3. Click Paint or Preview .

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,031 times.

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