Windows

How To Open PNG File In Windows 8

Opening a PNG file in Windows 8 is a simple and straightforward process. With the popularity of this file format for images, it's important to know the best way to access your PNG files. Let's explore how you can open PNG files on your Windows 8 computer.

To open a PNG file in Windows 8, you can use the built-in image viewing software called Windows Photo Viewer. Simply locate the PNG file on your computer, right-click on it, and select "Open with" from the drop-down menu. In the options that appear, choose "Windows Photo Viewer." This will open the PNG file in the default photo viewer, allowing you to view and edit it as needed.



How To Open PNG File In Windows 8

Understanding PNG Files and Windows 8

Opening PNG files in Windows 8 is a straightforward process that allows you to view, edit, and manipulate images. PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics, and it is a popular file format known for its lossless compression and high-quality graphics. Windows 8, the predecessor to Windows 10, provides several built-in tools and software that enable users to open and explore PNG files effortlessly. In this article, we will guide you through the various methods and steps to open PNG files in Windows 8, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience.

Method 1: Using the Default Photo Viewer

Windows 8 comes with a default photo viewer known as the Photos app. This app allows you to easily open and view various image formats, including PNG files. Here's how you can open a PNG file using the default photo viewer:

  • Locate the PNG file you want to open on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Right-click on the PNG file.
  • From the context menu, select "Open with" and then click on "Photos."
  • The PNG file will open in the Photos app, allowing you to view and interact with the image.

Alternatives to the Default Photo Viewer

If you prefer using a different photo viewer or editing software, Windows 8 allows you to set your preferred default program for opening PNG files. Here's how you can do it:

  • Right-click on the PNG file you want to open.
  • Select "Open with" from the context menu.
  • Click on "Choose another app."
  • Choose your preferred software from the list or click on "More apps" to browse additional options.
  • If your preferred software is not listed, click on "Look for another app on this PC" and navigate to the location where your chosen software is installed.
  • Once you have selected your desired program, check the box that says "Always use this app to open .png files."
  • Click "OK" to save your changes.

Using Third-Party Photo Editing Software

If you frequently work with PNG files and require more advanced editing features, you may consider using third-party photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. These software programs provide a wide range of tools and options to enhance and modify PNG images. To open a PNG file using third-party photo editing software:

  • Open the photo editing software on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Click on "File" from the menu bar.
  • Select "Open" or "Open File" to browse for the PNG file you want to open.
  • Navigate to the location where the PNG file is stored and select it.
  • Click "Open" to open the PNG file in the photo editing software.

Method 2: Using Windows Paint

Windows Paint is a simple yet powerful graphics editor that comes pre-installed on Windows 8. It allows users to open, edit, and save images in various formats, including PNG. Here's how you can open a PNG file using Windows Paint:

  • Locate the PNG file you want to open on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Right-click on the PNG file.
  • From the context menu, select "Open with" and then click on "Paint."
  • The PNG file will open in Paint, allowing you to view and edit the image.

Using Windows Paint for Basic Image Editing

Windows Paint offers a range of basic image editing tools that can be useful when working with PNG files. Here are some common tasks you can perform using Windows Paint:

  • Cropping or resizing images
  • Adding text or shapes to images
  • Adjusting brightness, contrast, and saturation
  • Applying filters or effects
  • Erasing or removing parts of an image

Method 3: Using a Web Browser

Another way to open a PNG file in Windows 8 is by using a web browser. Web browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, have built-in capabilities to display and open images, including PNG files. Here's how you can open a PNG file using a web browser:

  • Locate the PNG file you want to open on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Right-click on the PNG file.
  • Select "Open with" from the context menu.
  • Choose your preferred web browser from the list.

The web browser will open the PNG file, displaying it on a webpage. You can then zoom in, zoom out, and perform other basic operations on the image.

Method 4: Using Specialized Image Viewer Software

If you work extensively with PNG files or require advanced features like batch processing or image conversion, you may consider using specialized image viewer software. These programs are designed specifically for viewing and managing images, including PNG files. Some popular options include IrfanView, XnView, and FastStone Image Viewer. To open a PNG file using specialized image viewer software:

  • Open the image viewer software on your Windows 8 computer.
  • Click on "File" from the menu bar.
  • Select "Open" or "Open File" to browse for the PNG file you want to open.
  • Navigate to the location where the PNG file is stored and select it.
  • Click "Open" to open the PNG file in the image viewer software.

Specialized image viewer software often includes advanced features like slideshow presentations, image conversion, and batch processing, making it ideal for professionals working with large collections of PNG files.

Opening PNG files in Windows 8 is a simple process that can be done using various built-in tools and software. Whether you choose to use the default photo viewer, Windows Paint, a web browser, or specialized image viewer software, Windows 8 provides the flexibility and functionality to handle PNG files efficiently. With these methods at your disposal, you can seamlessly view, edit, and manage your PNG files on your Windows 8 computer.


How To Open PNG File In Windows 8

How to Open PNG File in Windows 8

Opening a PNG file in Windows 8 is a simple process that can be done using various methods. Here are two recommended methods:

Method 1: Using the Default Image Viewer

  • Locate the PNG file you want to open.
  • Right-click on the file and select "Open with".
  • Choose the default "Photos" app as the program to open the file.
  • The PNG file will now open in the default image viewer in Windows 8.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

  • If you prefer using a different image viewer or editor, you can download and install one from the internet. Popular third-party software options include Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint.NET.
  • Once installed, right-click on the PNG file and select "Open with".
  • Choose the third-party software you installed as the program to open the file.
  • The PNG file will now open in the selected third-party software.

By following these steps, you can easily open PNG files in Windows 8 using either the default image viewer or a third-party software of your choice. It is recommended to have a trusted antivirus program installed before downloading any software from the internet.


Key Takeaways: How to Open PNG File in Windows 8

  • To open a PNG file in Windows 8, right-click on the file and select "Open with" from the drop-down menu.
  • Choose the program you want to use to open the file, such as Windows Photo Viewer or Paint.
  • If the desired program is not listed, click on "Choose another app" to browse and select a different program.
  • You can also set a default program to always open PNG files by right-clicking on the file, selecting "Open with," and then choosing "Choose another app."
  • Once you have selected the program, check the box that says "Always use this app to open .png files" and click "OK."

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to opening PNG files in Windows 8:

1. Can Windows 8 natively open PNG files?

Yes, Windows 8 has native support for opening PNG files. Simply double-click on the PNG file, and it will open in the default image viewer on your computer.

If for some reason, double-clicking doesn't open the PNG file, you can right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the desired image viewer application from the list.

2. What if I don't have an image viewer installed on my Windows 8 computer?

If you don't have an image viewer installed on your Windows 8 computer, you can use the default Windows Photo Viewer that comes with the operating system.

To open a PNG file with Windows Photo Viewer, right-click on the file and select "Open with," then choose "Windows Photo Viewer" from the list. If you don't see Windows Photo Viewer as an option, you can select "Choose another app" and browse for it.

3. Can I edit PNG files in Windows 8?

Yes, you can edit PNG files in Windows 8. Windows 8 includes the built-in Paint application, which allows you to make basic edits to images, including PNG files.

To edit a PNG file in Paint, right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose "Paint" from the list. The file will open in Paint, and you can use the editing tools to make changes to the image.

4. Is there a way to open PNG files with third-party image editing software?

Yes, if you prefer to use third-party image editing software to open PNG files in Windows 8, you can install applications like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. These programs offer more advanced editing features compared to the built-in Paint application.

To open a PNG file with third-party image editing software, right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the desired application from the list. If the application is not listed, you can select "Choose another app" and browse for it.

5. Can I convert PNG files to other formats in Windows 8?

Yes, you can convert PNG files to other formats in Windows 8. There are various online and offline tools available that allow you to convert PNG files to formats like JPEG, GIF, or BMP.

You can also use image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP to convert PNG files. Simply open the PNG file in the software and choose the "Save As" option to save it in a different format.



Opening PNG files in Windows 8 is a simple process that can be done using the default image viewer or a third-party software. By following these steps, you can easily access and view your PNG files on your Windows 8 device:

  1. Locate the PNG file you want to open.
  2. Right-click on the file.
  3. Select "Open with" from the context menu.
  4. Choose "Photos" from the submenu if you want to use the default Windows image viewer.
  5. If you prefer a different software, select the appropriate program from the submenu.
  6. The PNG file will open in the selected program, allowing you to view and interact with the image.

Remember that Windows 8 supports various image viewing applications, so you can explore other programs if the default option does not meet your needs. Opening PNG files in Windows 8 is a hassle-free process that allows you to enjoy and work with your images effortlessly.


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