85

.85Autodesk Animator RLE

Autodesk · 1989

Developer
Autodesk
Category
Images
MIME Type
image/x-autodesk-rle
First Released
1989
Open Format
No
File Signature
Not widely documented, likely proprietary to Autodesk Animator.
At a Glance
.85
Autodesk Animator RLE

A proprietary animation frame format used by the legacy Autodesk Animator software.

Reviewed on May 18, 2026
Compression
Lossless (RLE)
Transparency
No
Editability
Low
Best for
Legacy Animation Frames

Key Features

  • Stores animation frames for Autodesk Animator.
  • Utilizes Run-Length Encoding (RLE) for compression.
  • Lossless compression preserves image data accurately.
  • Proprietary format, limited compatibility with modern software.

Best For

  • Storing animation sequences specifically for Autodesk Animator.
  • Situations requiring exact, lossless frame data.
  • Archiving historical animation assets.

Less Ideal For

  • Web animation due to poor compatibility and large file sizes.
  • Modern video editing workflows.
  • Sharing animations across different software platforms.
  • High-quality, complex animation rendering.

Common Use Cases

  • Archiving animation projects created in Autodesk Animator.
  • Restoring or preserving early computer animations.
  • Retro game development or modding.
  • Historical computer graphics research.

How to Open It

  1. Attempt to open with legacy versions of Autodesk Animator or compatible emulators.
  2. Use specialized retro animation or graphics conversion tools that might support the format.
  3. If within a game or application, the .85 file is likely loaded directly by the software.

What is a .85 file?

The .85 file extension is associated with Autodesk Animator, an early animation software popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These files typically store animation frames in a Run-Length Encoded (RLE) format, which is efficient for simple, lossless compression. While it was revolutionary for its time, enabling the creation of animated sequences for computer graphics and games, its proprietary nature and the evolution of animation software have made it largely obsolete. Modern users are unlikely to encounter .85 files unless they are working with historical animation data or retro gaming preservation efforts.

Programs That Open .85 Files

PlatformProgram
WindowsAutodesk Animator (Legacy)PaidOfficial

How to Convert .85 Files

FormatMethod
.GIFAutodesk Animator (Legacy), Conversion tools
.PNGAutodesk Animator (Legacy), Conversion tools

Common Problems with .85 Files

⚠️ Cannot open .85 files on modern operating systems.
Use legacy software like Autodesk Animator on an older OS or emulator, or seek specialized conversion tools.
⚠️ Limited software support for editing or viewing.
Conversion to a more common format like GIF or PNG is usually necessary for broader use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Autodesk Animator?

Autodesk Animator was a 2D animation software popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its intuitive interface and tools for creating animated sequences.

Can I edit .85 files easily?

Editing .85 files directly is difficult due to proprietary software requirements. Conversion to a more editable format is recommended.

Why are .85 files not common anymore?

The software is outdated, and modern animation and video formats offer greater compatibility, features, and efficiency.

Technical Details

Autodesk Animator RLE (.85) files store animation sequences as a series of frames. The RLE compression within this format is lossless, meaning no image data is lost during compression. This makes it suitable for preserving the exact pixel data of each frame, though it can result in larger file sizes compared to modern lossy compression techniques. The specific structure is tied to the internal workings of Autodesk Animator.

Did You Know?

Autodesk Animator was one of the pioneers in making animation accessible on personal computers.
The RLE compression used in .85 files was effective for the limited storage and processing power of computers in its era.

Security Information

As .85 files are associated with legacy software, they generally pose a low security risk. However, as with any file from an unknown source, exercise caution when opening them, especially if using emulators or older software that might have vulnerabilities.