The PICT file format was introduced on the original Apple Macintosh as its standard metafile format. It allows interchange of graphics and limited text between Mac applications. PICT consists of a series of QuickDraw commands. PICT 1 was as compact as possible when describing vector graphics.
A version 1 PICT file has bytes 11 01 at offset 522. A version 2 file has bytes 00 11 02 ff 0c 00 at offset 522. PICT usually starts with an unused 512-byte header with zeros. When embedded as a resource, this header is not present. A version 1 file should end with ff. A version 2 file should end with 00 ff.
PICT has been replaced by the more flexible PDF format. PICT files may use .PCT extension. You can open PICT files with XnViewMP, Adobe Photoshop, Netpbm or IrfanView. You can convert PICT files to other formats using these applications.