ART file format

[oroboros]

I'm sure this suggestion is going to sound ridiculous, but here goes ...

I am trying to consolidate all my pictures from over the years into one place, and into modern formats. Most of those that need converting I can convert, one way or another, but there is one file format that is nearly impossible to open anymore - the once-dreaded AOL (Johnson Grace) ART file format. It used to be openable with IE, but they dropped support ages ago. As has everyone else.

The only program that I know of that still opens it correctly is called Graphic Workshop Professional, with an added plugin. And that's it, AFAIK.

Anyway, obscure request, but one can hope ... Thanks for listening.

[XnTriq]

Not as ridiculous or obscure as you might think (-:

Forum references:

• Can't open gif files I download off web
• AOL art-files
• Won't open art image files
• view .art images?
• how do i convert .art so i can view them with xnview?
• view aol image types?
• aol art images

Off-site resources:

• Experts Exchange
  • AOL ART file format description
• Boutell.Com
  • WWW FAQs: I have files in ART format. How do I convert them to JPEG?
• Microsoft TechNet
  • AOL Image Support Update for Windows 2000 (IE 5.01)
  • Security Bulletin MS06-022
    Vulnerability in ART Image Rendering Could Allow Remote Code Execution (918439)
• Alchemy Mindworks
  • AMI Graphic Workshop Professional » Supported formats: AOL / Johnson-Grace ART (requires ART plugin)
    As of Graphic Workshop Professional 3.0 patch 14, ART support was removed from the main application and made available as a plugin. Install this plugin if you wish to have Graphic Workshop Professional view and convert .ART files.
• ACD Systems
  • ACD mPower Tools (Download)
    This program extends the digital imaging features of Windows. It provides at-a-glance metadata and thumbnail views for Canon Raw, PSD, Kodak Photo CD, AOL ART and more than 40 other formats not normally supported. You can find and drag files into Photoshop, get previews and batch edit with a right-click. The media bar allows you to find pictures and drag them into Photoshop or other programs.

[oroboros]

I guess not ...

Thank you so much for the link to an editor other than Graphic Workshop Professional to open these files in. Much appreciated.

[m.Th.]

I guess not ...

Thank you so much for the link to an editor other than Graphic Workshop Professional to open these files in. Much appreciated.

btw, why you do not convert them to another format? Eg. png, jpg, jpx, tiff etc.

[Drahken]

....
I am trying to consolidate all my pictures from over the years into one place, and into modern formats. .....

^Converting is exactly what he's trying to do, but you can't convert if you can't open.

[m.Th.]

....
I am trying to consolidate all my pictures from over the years into one place, and into modern formats. .....

^Converting is exactly what he's trying to do, but you can't convert if you can't open.

Sorry, there is a common mistake in forums to answer without carefully reading the messages before. Now, I am guilty of this.

OTOH, he can use ImageMagick (http://www.imagemagick.org/script/formats.php ) which AFIAS opens/convert ART files.
It has the advantage that it is a batch command line tool and he can easily convert his files.

[Drahken]

No, the .art format that imagemagick supports is unrelated to the aol one.

http://www.imagemagick.org/discourse-se ... =3&t=21406

[miles_prower]

Or you could just do as I did.

1. Hit up OldVersion.com for AOL 8.0 - http://www.oldversion.com/windows/america-online-8-0
(9.0+ embed IE and ditch .ART support)
2. Install it. (use a virtualbox XP VM, please do not install it on an OS that you intend to use).
3. Use it to open and Save As, the images.

Bit of a hassle when you have dozens of images, but it worked.