What is a EXR file?
EXR (OpenEXR) is a high-dynamic-range format with floating-point colour, standard in film and VFX. It was introduced in 2003 by Industrial Light & Magic.
What EXR is good at
- Huge dynamic range
- Lossless floating-point colour
- Standard in film pipelines
Where EXR falls short
- Large files
- No browser support
When to use EXR
- VFX and compositing
- HDR renders
- Lighting and environment maps
Where EXR files open
EXR files open in Blender, Nuke, After Effects, Photoshop and Houdini.
EXR compared with PNG
EXR or PNG? EXR is best for VFX and compositing. PNG is best for screenshots and UI graphics. Convert EXR to PNG or convert PNG to EXR.
Frequently asked questions
What is a EXR file?
EXR (OpenEXR) is a high-dynamic-range format with floating-point colour, standard in film and VFX. It was introduced in 2003 by Industrial Light & Magic.
What are the advantages of EXR?
Huge dynamic range; lossless floating-point colour; standard in film pipelines.
What are the drawbacks of EXR?
Large files; no browser support.
What programs open EXR files?
EXR files open in Blender, Nuke, After Effects, Photoshop and Houdini.
How do I convert a EXR file?
Choose the EXR converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.