PICT File Format
   
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Macintosh PICT

Short Name PICT
Long Name Macintosh PICT
Typical File Extensions .pct
Contains Metafile


The PICT file format originates on the Apple Macintosh where it is basically a metafile recording a series of the Macintosh QuickDraw graphics commands.

PICT comes in two main flavors, corresponding to the two main revisions of QuickDraw:
  • PICT files for version 1 of QuickDraw: The original PICT format that was used on the original black and white Macintoshes which had QuickDraw 1.0. This version supports only monochrome graphics of limited size with a fixed resolution of 72 DPI.

  • PICT files for version 2 of QuickDraw (Color QuickDraw): This format supports large images with up to 256 colors (using a palette), and with variable resolution.
PICT files may include bitmaps, and in version 2.0 files these may be compressed using a PackBits compression algorithm, or if QuickTime is installed, using a JPEG-compression algorithm.

Although PICT files were designed originally on the Macintosh, there are some applications available on other platforms which can read this format.

A technical discussion of this format can be found in Chapter 26 of Graphics File Formats by David C. Kay and John R. Levine. The book covers both formats, but does not mention the JPEG compression of bitmaps, which appears to have been added to the PICT format after the book was published.



Related Books:
  • Graphics File Formats
     
    Graphics File Formats
         		  
    By David C. Kay

    McGraw-Hill Companies
    Paperback (496 pages)

    Product Description:
    For software developers, systems managers, and computer hobbyists, this book will help bring a welcome sense of order to the chaotic world of graphics file format. David Kay and John Levine have compiled detailed specifications for 30 popular graphics file formats, so readers can more quickly and easily decide which standards are best for their applications.

    List Price: $29.95
    Lowest Used Price: $0.50
    (As of 04:51 Pacific 5 Dec 2008 More Info)

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