I can't get MSpaint to open the pcx files, and I have no idea why. It says this format is not supported. I have office 2003, an hp printer with its image software, and adobe 7.0. I think one of those is my problem... anyone have any ideas?

photoshop will open PCXs. MS paint cannot support PCX, no idea why. MS paint couldnt open jpegs on windows 2000. But if you want to make or edit PCX files, photoshop is the best way to go

The GIMP http://www.gimp.org/ opens .pcx files and doesn't cost any moneys. Always a plus.

the odd thing is, before i reformatted my computer, i could get paint to open pcx files... or maybe i was hallucinating

You were hallucinating. MSPaint has never done that, AFAIK.

MS paint cant support PCX you were probably using an adobe program

I believe paint opened .pcx files back in the Windows 3.1 days...

It is possible to get MSPaint to open PCX's. (if you install the right utils and so on). But it is not worth it. MSPaint is a very basic program. It does not support palette editing. So even if you trick it into opening it, you're likely to left with ruined pcx files when you're done.
GRM784 gave you good advice. GIMP is the best free paint program.
If you are willing to spend a little bit, Paint Shop Pro is nicer. The current version can be had from EBay for as little as 25.00.
If you have the money, follow Shirokobbure's suggestion and get Photoshop. It is expensive, but it is definately the best paint program out there.

The GIMP http://www.thegimp.org/ opens .pcx files and doesn't cost any moneys. Always a plus.

Whenever I go to this link it brings up a toy site. (Not adult toys mind you)

This is the correct one:
http://www.gimp.org/

D'oh, thanks vbraun. I always mess up that link. Part of why I wanted to do a FAQ that I could link new folk to...

thanks guys

Inkscape is one of the better pro-imaging tool.
It has professional functions like photoshop, paint shop pro, illustrator, etc.
AND ITS FREE!!!

http://www.inkscape.org/images/header-logo.png

www.inkscape.org

Screens:
http://www.inkscape.org/screenshots/gallery/inkscape-0.47-spiro-typography.png
http://www.inkscape.org/screenshots/gallery/inkscape-0.47-photorealism.png

Bad bump :) Im sure he had chosen some other program, he had 4 years to do so :D

You never know... colsoncj may still be looking for a graphic program, even though it's been close to a half-decade :)

Tom

lol never noticed that :lol:
i wonder why it was in the top of the forum...

PCX support for Paint was dropped in Windows 95. It's possible to use the Windows 3.11 version to open PCX files, but the colors always seem off when I do so with Civ3 PCX files and Windows 3.11 Paintbrush. My guess is Civ3 uses a newer version of PCX files than Windows 3.11 supports. At any rate, I agree with the GIMP being a much better option.

You never know... colsoncj may still be looking for a graphic program, even though it's been close to a half-decade :)

Tom

Well.. he was active as of 2008, so you never know... :lol: