After upgrading to my new M1 Pro MacBook 12.6.3, I am unable to open legacy PCT files from Quicktime frame grabs and screen shots. Its been a long time since Preview could open them, but now even the latest versions of GraphicConverter, GIMP, XnViewMP, LibreOffice, ImageMagick, OpenOffice or Mapspinner102 cannot open them now. The files are usually 1+MB but get reduced to 10+ KB. Any suggestions?
MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)
You're welcome. I had a thought, try changing the extension from pct to pict. See if a pict will open.
In macOS 13.3.1, I can open a QuickDraw picture (.pict) created in 2009 with Preview, GraphicConverter versions 11 and 12, and LibreOffice 7.5.2 Draw.
How weird. I am now having the same issue. The MARBLES.PCT file shows the thumbnail but displays as black in Preview and Quick Look. However, it does display correctly in XnView MP 1.4.3.
FWIW, I have no problem opening these .PCT sample files from https://www.fileformat.info/format/macpict/sample/index.htm
Also, see my post from a few years ago…
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252145645?answerId=254073080022#254073080022
I can open it on my old iBook 10.2.4 using Quicktime player. In fact it will even open in OS9 Simpletext!
As I said and posted a screen shot, GraphicsConverter 12 opened it for me.
The hosting software may not allow you to use the Image Insertion tool with that ancient image format. The image insertion tool is the second from the right of your posted site editor image.
There is nothing in that .pict image except binary data.
I tried opening the MARBLES.PCT file and it just gave me a question mark. Then I tried downloading the file and the thumbnail worked but it opened in Preview as just a black image. My own PCT files open as a white image. 😤
Thanks for replies.
I tried to attach a 1.2 MB PCT file for an example but of course it wouldn't let me do it:
Is there any way to look at the raw data in the file?
Nope, same result
I can also view it in GraphicsConverter 12 and a few other graphics apps.
I don't know what the answer is.
Then I exported it to a JPEG file using Preview on the iBook. Now it opens fine on my MacBook, indicating it is a good PCT file. So why can't GraphicsConverter handle it?
Cannot open PCT files anymore
