AOLpress Raster Technology (.art)

The ART file extension, linked with PFS: 1st Publisher, represents a compressed image format optimized for rapid download speeds. This format is distinguished by its capacity to store highly compressed single images. It utilizes an analytical approach to evaluate the image and apply the most efficient compression method, which may affect the balance between image fidelity and compression intensity. The ART format's incremental rendering of images is akin to the progressive JPEG format, enabling early previews of images at reduced detail during downloads.

Developed by America Online (AOL), the ART format was a forward-thinking response to the slow internet connections of the past, significantly reducing image download times. Its convertibility to other image formats like PDF, PNG, and JPG enhances its adaptability. Despite its past utility, the ART format has largely fallen out of use, supplanted by contemporary image formats that provide superior compression and broader support across various platforms and devices.