How to open an image showing ‘file unsupported?’
Unable to open photos on your computer? Does the error message, ‘unsupported file format.’ pops up every time you try to open a picture in a photo viewer program?
Photo viewer programs help to view pictures on your system with some additional features like editing, zoom, rotation, etc. They render the image based on its color depth, color profile, and resolution.
Usually, image viewers can open common JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD, etc., file types. But some programs may not support certain file types, such as RAW files from digital cameras, HEIC files from iPhone, EPS, or other uncommon formats.
Possible causes of unsupported image file error
The ‘unsupported file format’ error message clearly indicates that your photo viewer program does not support the image file type. There’s also a possibility that the photo is damaged or corrupted due to which it doesn’t open. Other reason could be the image’s large file size, which the program is unable to read completely. A virus can also corrupt the file format. Besides, an outdated photo viewer application or corruption in the program files can also lead to the error.
Methods to open photos showing unsupported file error on PC/ Mac
You can convert the image file format or open it in another viewer. If the file is not opening in any image viewer, it may be corrupted. A corrupt file requires photo repair software to fix the issue.
Let’s know the various methods to open an unsupported image file on your computer.
1. Update system OS
Install the latest OS updates on your Windows PC or Apple Mac system. They help fix bugs related to default programs, such as Windows Photo Viewer, Live Photo, Photos app, etc.
2. Update your image viewer program
Update the photo viewer software you are using to open pictures on the computer. Although updating system OS automatically updates default programs. But if you have installed any third-party image viewer, visit its official website and check for the latest updates. You can also look for updates of the program in Microsoft Store or Apple store.
3. Open image file in browser
If the photo shows an ‘unsupported format’ error in your default photo viewer, try to open it in the browser. Once the photo opens in the browser, you can save it on your computer drive or take its screenshot.
Here’s how to open unsupported image file in browser:
- Right-click on the photo.
- Select Open With.
- Choose your browser and click on it. The image file will open.
- Now right-click on the photo and select Save as. Save the photo on your system.
4. Open picture in a different program
If the photo is showing unsupported file type error, try to open it in another application. Maybe your photo viewer doesn’t support the file type or has bugs that don’t let pictures to open.
There are many advanced image viewer programs for Mac and Windows, such as IrfanView, XnView, ImageGlass, Raw Image Viewer, and others.
5. Convert image to a different format
If one file format is not supported, convert to another. Change the image file type to JPEG, which is widely supported by photo viewer programs and devices. File format conversion doesn’t affect the file information.
Microsoft Paint or Adobe Photoshop programs can also convert image file format. You can also try online image file converters, which are usually free to use.
Here are the steps to convert unsupported file format in Paint:
- Open the photo in Paint.
- Click on File.
- Select Save As.
- Select the preferred image format in Save As type box.
- Click on Save.
6. Check antivirus settings
Antivirus settings on your computer can be a reason for web photos not opening or giving error. Try by changing its settings for web images or temporarily uninstalling your system antivirus.
7. Fix unsupported image format error with a repair software
If none of the above methods work, take the photo repair software approach. A photo repair software is designed to repair image file corruption. You can fix file header or data that may be causing the error or don’t let the image to open in the viewer.
Try Stellar Repair for Photo, an advanced photo repair tool that can fix even severely damaged image files. The software is compatible with popular file formats, such as JPEG, TIFF, RAW, SR2, NEF, DNG, CR2, NEF, ORF, etc. You can repair any number of photos simultaneously, irrespective of their file format.
Stellar Repair for Photo has both Windows and macOS versions. The free trial of the software is also available.
8. Reinstall your image viewer app
Try by reinstalling your photo viewer application. It may be possible the program has crashed or its file has corrupted.
Wrapping Up
It is frustrating when you can’t view photos due to the unsupported file format error. Whenever you face this error, first check the file format of the image. Were you able to open this file type earlier in your image viewer program? Or is it a new file format that the viewer cannot open? A corrupt image file won’t open in any photo viewer.
Based on your observations, you can try the given methods to open photos on Windows or Mac computer.
