How to open a .kra file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .kra file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands Krita. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .kra file is a Krita Document. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads Krita yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .kra file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .kra. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with Krita or 7-Zip (to inspect).
On Mac, use Krita.
On Linux, try Krita.
Still stuck? Convert the .kra to png, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .kra files

Windows

Krita
7-Zip (to inspect)

macOS

Krita

Linux

Krita

Before you open it: Safe. A .kra file is a layered painting document in a ZIP package; it does not execute.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .kra file?

Almost always because no installed app understands Krita. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I open a .kra file?

Use Krita, which is free on Windows, Mac and Linux. To see a flat version, export to PNG; to inspect the package, rename it to .zip.

Can Photoshop open a .kra file?

Not directly. Open the .kra in Krita and export it as PSD, which Photoshop reads with its layers.