Microsoft Visual Studio Visual C++ precompiled header
File type: Source code and script file
A pch file extension is related to the Microsoft Visual Studio and Visual C++ development environments. A pch file stores pre-compiled header.
Found 4 different file type records with the same pch filename suffix.
File type category:
Source code and script file
Date updated: September 9, 2024
The pch file extension is associated with Microsoft Visual C++. The pch files are used for Visual C++ pre-compiled header files.
In computer programming, particularly in the C and C++ programming languages, a header file or include file is a file, usually in the form of source code, that is automatically included in another source file by the compiler.
Typically, header files are included via compiler directives at the beginning (or head) of the other source file.
Use any text editor or specialised application able to work with Microsoft Visual C++.
Probably cannot be converted to anything else.
Software applications that can open pch files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software applications that can edit pch files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software capable of saving pch files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software apps that create pch files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
Software applications that handle other tasks involving pch files:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X
Multiplatform
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: September 23, 2026
Various applications use the pch file extension for patch files. The file may contain the changes required to update or modify data used by the application that created it.
Because this is a generic extension, the file's internal format and purpose depend on its originating software. Some PCH files may be readable as text, while others may use an application-specific or binary format. The format is not a universal interchange standard.
Open a pch file with the application that created it or supplied it. If the file is a text-based patch, a plain-text editor can display its contents, but editing or applying it generally requires the associated software.
A generic PCH file usually cannot be converted reliably without identifying the application and format that created it. Use that application's patch, import, or export features when available; otherwise, retain the file in its original format.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: September 28, 2026
The PCH file extension is related to Pixeur, a colour management and editing tool for Microsoft Windows. A PCH file contains saved colour history.
The file preserves colour entries associated with Pixeur and is intended for use with that application rather than as a general-purpose colour document.
Open a PCH file with Pixeur on Microsoft Windows. Start Pixeur and use the program's options for loading saved colour history.
PCH is an application-specific colour history format rather than a standard colour-exchange format. To use the colours elsewhere, open the file in Pixeur and manually copy or record the colour values in the destination application.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: January 28, 2019
The pch file extension is associated with Spotmau PowerSuite Professional, a bundle of utilities for Microsoft Windows operating system.
The pch file contains some kind of data used by these programs.
Probably not meant to be accessed by the user.
Probably cannot be converted to anything else.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving pch files:
Microsoft Windows
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