Alias/Wavefront RLE Image Format (.pix)

The PIX file format is a raster image file type that incorporates Run-Length Encoding (RLE) for efficient bitmap image storage. Originating from Alias/Wavefront's cutting-edge visual effects software, PIX files were crafted to support high-resolution three-dimensional models and animations, particularly within PowerAnimator and Alias 3D applications. This format played a pivotal role in creating complex visual effects for movies and video games throughout the 1990s.

A PIX file typically starts with a header detailing the image specifications, followed by RLE-compressed pixel data. RLE compression is crucial as it minimizes file size without degrading image quality, a key factor for optimal performance in graphics-heavy tasks. While PIX files were once the preferred format for computer graphics and animation experts due to their integration with Alias software, their prevalence has diminished in favor of more adaptable and universally accepted image formats.