The .pxz file format, created by Inmagine for its Pixlr Editor, is a specialized container designed to preserve the layered structure of images edited within the application. Unlike standard image formats like JPEG or PNG which save only the final, flattened image, .pxz files cleverly package the entire project. This includes all individual layers, each retaining its own properties and edits. Crucially, this allows for non-destructive editing – you can reopen the .pxz file in Pixlr Editor and continue working on the layers without losing previous work or quality. Alongside the layer data, a JSON file stores metadata about the image, such as the dimensions, color profile, and other relevant information. A flattened PNG version is also included for quick preview or use in applications that don’t support layered images. This makes .pxz files considerably larger than their flattened PNG counterparts.
Opening a .pxz file is straightforward; however, it requires the Pixlr Editor application itself. Simply double-clicking the file should automatically launch Pixlr Editor and load the project, allowing you to access and modify the individual layers. If you lack Pixlr Editor, you won’t be able to open and edit the file’s contents. While you might be able to extract the contained PNG using a standard ZIP archive program, this will only provide the flattened image, discarding all the valuable layered information. Therefore, retaining access to Pixlr Editor is essential for working with .pxz files and leveraging their advantages in preserving layered image data for later editing.