How to Open a RIF File

A RIF file is an image format for Corel Painter, a digital painting program. The file holds information about the painting in separate layers, such as a canvas, pencil sketches and brush strokes. This allows you to edit different aspects of the painting -- for example, changing the canvas texture to alter the look. You can open RIF files using several Corel graphics programs. Less commonly, this type of file has the file extension RIFF.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Download and install a free trial of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Painter or Painter Essentials. If you already have one of these programs installed on your computer, skip this step.
   • 2
     Right-click the RIF file, then click "Open With." Click "Choose Default Program."
   • 3
     Select whatever Corel graphics program you have installed. If you want this program to automatically open RIF files when you double-click them, check the "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file" box. If not, uncheck the box.
   • 4
     Click "OK." The RIF file will open. You can now view and edit it.