DCX

The DCX file format, standing for Document Content Exchange, is a proprietary type of image file format primarily used for multipage PCX images. PCX was an early bitmap image format originally developed by ZSoft Corporation for its painting program, Paintbrush. As the demand for handling multiple images within a single file grew, the DCX format emerged as an extension to PCX, allowing users to store several PCX files in a multipage format for easier document exchange and management.

How the DCX Format Works

DCX files are essentially containers for PCX-format images. Each page within a DCX file represents one PCX image, and the format is designed for convenience in handling multiple scanned documents or facsimiles. A header section in the file directs software programs to each embedded PCX file. Thus, a multi-page document can be easily browsed, similar to reading a book or flipping through a stack of pictures.

Software Supporting DCX Files

A variety of image editing and viewer applications support DCX files. Some popular software includes ACDSee, CorelDRAW, and the open-source program IrfanView. These applications enable users to view, edit, and manage DCX files along with converting them to more widely recognized standards like JPEG or PNG.

Alternatives to the DCX File Format

Although the DCX format saw significant use in the past, it has been largely replaced by more modern and versatile formats. PDF, for instance, has become the de facto standard for multi-page document sharing, providing platform independence, robust security features, and widespread support across devices. Other common alternatives include TIFF for high-quality image archives and multipage imaging, as well as the versatile JPG format for photographic images.

With evolving technology and requirements for media formats, the use of DCX has declined. Nonetheless, it remains as an archival format, a testimony to the legacy of bitmap images and the evolution of digital image handling.