RLE file: How can I open a .RLE file?
The table below provides useful information about the .rle file extension. It answers questions such as:
- What is the .rle file?
- What program do I need to open a .rle file?
- How can the .rle file be opened, edited or printed?
- How can I convert .rle files to another format?
We hope you find this page helpful and a valuable resource.
✅ Run-Length Encoded Bitmap

The RLE file is a Run-Length Encoded Bitmap.
✅ Golly Simulation Pattern Data

The RLE file is a Golly Simulation Pattern Data. Golly is an open source, cross-platform application for exploring Conway's Game of Life and many other types of cellular automata.
✅ Intergraph Format Bitmap Image

The CIT file is a Intergraph Format Bitmap Image.
✅ ADEX Corporation Bitmap

The IMG file is an ADEX Corporation Bitmap.
⚠ Be careful with .rle files.
It's important to know that the .rle file extension can be used by various programs, not just the ones you expect. This includes potentially harmful software or malware that might create .rle files. Be cautious when dealing with .rle files from unknown sources.
🔄 .rle converters
The following softwares are capable of converting .rle files to other formats:
For example, using the softwares above, a .rle file can be converted into one of the following formats:
🚫 The .rle file extension is often given incorrectly!
According to the searches on our site, these misspellings were the most common in the past year:
Is it possible that the filename extension is misspelled?
We found the following similar file extensions in our database:
🔴 Can't open a .rle file?
When you double-click a file to open it, Windows examines the filename extension. If Windows recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When Windows does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:
Select an app to open this .rle file
It means that the operating system does not have a default app associated with the .rle file type. To resolve this issue and open the file, you can take the following steps:
- Right-click on the .rle file. A context menu will appear.
- From the context menu, select Open with. Windows will display a list of recommended apps.
- If the desired app is listed, select it from the provided options.
- If you cannot find the appropriate app, you may need to install software that supports the specific file type.
If you don't know how to change the default app for the .rle file, check the FAQ.
🔴 Can I change the extension of files?
Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. The extension of a file serves as a hint to the operating system and various software programs about the type of data contained within the file. When you alter a file's extension, you essentially modify how software applications interpret and handle that file. Every file has a specific format, also known as its file type or file format. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format.
If you have helpful information about the .rle file extension, write to us.