Image
What is a .max file?
A .max file is a PaperPort MAX (version 5-7). This is an image format — a picture, drawing or graphic. Confusingly, this extension has been used by 9 different formats over the years — they're all listed below.
This extension has been used by more than one format
9 different formats have claimed .max over the years, so two files with the same extension aren't necessarily the same kind of thing.
- PaperPort MAXVersion 5-7 · fmt/1225
- 3DS MaxNo version recorded · fmt/978
- PaperPort MAXVersion 2 · fmt/1223
- PaperPort MAXVersion 8-12 · fmt/1339
- PaperPort MAXVersion 3-4 · fmt/1224
- OrCAD Layout FileNo version recorded · fmt/1465
- Digital Terrain Elevation DataNo version recorded · x-fmt/314
- XL-Paint MaXNo version recorded · fmt/1658
- MAKIchan Graphics FileNo version recorded · fmt/1469
How to open a .max file
- GIMP (free) and IrfanView open a very wide range of image formats, including obsolete ones.
- XnView MP is the best bet for unusual or legacy image types.
- Your operating system's built-in viewer may work for mainstream formats.
The registry records this extension against PaperPort MAX, 3DS Max, PaperPort MAX and others, so software from that family is the most likely match.
How to convert a .max file
- Open it in GIMP or XnView and export as .png (lossless) or .jpg (smaller).
The technical record
For archivists, developers and the merely curious: these are the PRONOM registry entries for .max.
| Format name | Version | MIME type | PUID |
|---|---|---|---|
| PaperPort MAX | 5-7 | — | fmt/1225 |
| 3DS Max | — | — | fmt/978 |
| PaperPort MAX | 2 | — | fmt/1223 |
| PaperPort MAX | 8-12 | — | fmt/1339 |
| PaperPort MAX | 3-4 | — | fmt/1224 |
| OrCAD Layout File | — | — | fmt/1465 |
| Digital Terrain Elevation Data | — | — | x-fmt/314 |
| XL-Paint MaX | — | — | fmt/1658 |
| MAKIchan Graphics File | — | — | fmt/1469 |