EXR

OpenEXR Image

OpenEXR is a high dynamic range image file format developed by Industrial Light & Magic for use in computer graphics animation and visual effects.

What is OpenEXR Image?

OpenEXR (.exr) is a professional image format supporting 16-bit floating-point per channel values and high dynamic range (HDR). It was created by ILM in 1999 and became an industry standard in VFX and 3D rendering pipelines. The format supports lossless and lossy compression methods, multiple layers, and multi-channel data, making it ideal for compositing.

Advantages

Supports high dynamic range (HDR) and wide color gamut
Stores 16-bit and 32-bit floating-point pixel data
Supports multiple layers and channels in a single file
Offers efficient lossless and lossy compression algorithms

Limitations

File sizes can be very large
Not natively supported by standard web browsers and casual image viewers
Complex format requiring specialized software to process

How to open OpenEXR Image files

Adobe Photoshop Adobe After Effects Blender Natron DJV Imaging

Common use cases

Visual effects (VFX) and film production compositing
3D rendering and CGI output
Archiving high-precision master image data
Color grading in professional video workflows

Convert EXR files

Browse all converters

Explore other formats

DNG Digital Negative Image Windows Metafile SVG Image M4A Audio File WAV Audio File 7Z Compressed Archive TAR Archive Flash Video file WMV Video HEIC Image GLTF 3D Model GLB 3D Format

Frequently asked questions

An EXR file is a high dynamic range (HDR) image format developed by Industrial Light & Magic primarily used in the computer graphics and film industries.

EXR files can be opened using professional software such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Blender, Natron, and dedicated viewers like DJV.

No, standard web browsers do not natively support the OpenEXR format without conversion to formats like PNG or JPEG.