.174 — Apple Double Format

Apple Inc. · 1990s

Developer

Apple Inc.

Key Features

Proprietary Apple image format.
Primarily for use within Apple devices.
Largely obsolete for general image sharing.
Requires conversion for cross-platform compatibility.

Best For

Compatibility within older Apple ecosystems.
Specific legacy image storage needs on Apple platforms.

Less Ideal For

Sharing images across different operating systems.
Web use due to limited browser support.
General photography where universal formats are preferred.
High-quality archival without conversion.

Common Use Cases

Viewing older photos from Apple devices.
Importing image data from legacy Apple software.
Archiving images from older Apple photo libraries.

How to Open It

Use image editing software that supports Apple formats, like Adobe Photoshop (with specific plugins or older versions).
Convert the .174 file to a more common format like JPG or PNG using online converters or dedicated software.
Attempt to open with Preview on macOS, though support may vary by version.

What is a .174 file?

The .174 file extension is associated with the Apple Double Format, a proprietary image format developed by Apple. It was primarily used for storing images within Apple's ecosystem, particularly on older macOS and iOS versions. While it was once a common way to share images between Apple devices, it has largely been superseded by more universal formats like JPEG and PNG. You might encounter these files when dealing with older Apple photo libraries or specific application exports.

Programs That Open .174 Files

Platform	Program
Windows	Adobe Photoshop	Paid	Official
macOS	Preview	Free	Official
	Adobe Photoshop	Paid	Official

How to Convert .174 Files

Format	Method
.JPG	Online file converters, Adobe Photoshop, Preview (macOS)
.PNG	Online file converters, Adobe Photoshop, Preview (macOS)

Common Problems with .174 Files

⚠️ Cannot open .174 files on Windows or modern macOS.

Convert the file to a more widely supported format like JPG or PNG using online tools or image editing software.

⚠️ Loss of image quality during conversion.

Use reputable conversion tools and select the highest quality settings available. For critical images, consider lossless formats like PNG if appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .174 format still actively used?▼

No, the .174 format (Apple Double Format) is largely considered obsolete and is rarely used for new image creation or sharing.

Can I open .174 files on my Android or Linux device?▼

Direct support is unlikely. You will almost certainly need to convert the files to a common format like JPG or PNG first.

Technical Details

The Apple Double Format (.174) is a binary format. It doesn't employ standard compression techniques like JPEG or PNG. Its structure is specific to Apple's internal image handling and may not be easily interpreted by non-Apple software without conversion.

Did You Know?

The .174 extension was part of Apple's strategy to handle file resources and data forks on different file systems.

It's less common than other proprietary Apple formats and often confused with standard image types.

Security Information

Like most image files, .174 files are generally safe, but always exercise caution when downloading files from unknown sources, as they could potentially contain malware. Ensure your system is protected by up-to-date antivirus software.