The Q1Q file has a .q1q extension and is primarily associated with a Photoshop and Corel Paintshop Pro plug-in called LunarCell, developed by Flaming Pearl Software. The plug-in can be used to create realistic, fractal or imaginary planets and moons.
If you have received a file with the q1q extension, it is very likely a planet design created in Photoshop via the LunarCell plug-in. You will require the relevant software such as Photoshop or Corel Paintshop Pro to view the file contents. It is safe, however, it is advisable to run a malware scan for any new file extension to rule out the execution of malware once the file is opened.
Only open files that are received through reliable a source. If you find the file name or type strange, cross-check with the person who seemingly sent you the file through a different channel. For instance, if you received the file from a colleague through email, text or call the colleague on their mobile phone to confirm whether they sent the said file. This is to avoid phishing attacks that spoof the emails of people you know.
How to open a .q1q file?
Once you have run the file through a scanner to rule out malware, double-click on the file. If you have the relevant software to access the file, it will automatically open in the said software upon double-clicking. If that doesn’t work, right-click on the file, select Open with and choose the app that can open the file type, usually Photoshop or Corel Paintshop Pro.
If you are unable to open the file despite having the relevant software, there might be other issues preventing you from opening the file. For instance, not having the correct software version or opening a corrupt file.
Also read: How to fix error 6 in Photoshop?
Why can’t I open the Q1Q file extension?
The primary reason for not being able to open Q1Q file is not having the relevant software installed. However, there are other reasons why you might be unable to open a file with the .q1q extension file despite having the relevant software.
Old software version
The LunarCell plug-in is built for Photoshop 2023 and Corel Paintshop Pro. Older versions might not be able to read the Q1Q files created with LuncarCell. To access the file, you will have to update your software to the latest version, or the version compatible with the LuncarCell plug-in.
Corrupt file
The file you received might be corrupt or has malware. Run the file through your trusted anti-malware software or VirusTotal online.
To check if the file is corrupt, you can scan your Windows device’s hard drive using ‘Error Checking’ or CHKDSK Scan:
Step 1: Open the File Explorer using the Win+E command, locate the hard drive the file is downloaded to, click on it and select Properties. You can right-click on the drive and select Properties from the drop-down as well.
Step 2: In the Properties dialogue box, go to the Tools tab and tap Check.
Step 3: In the pop-up that appears, it will say whether you need to scan your files or not. Click on Scan drive.
Outdated device driver
Device drivers are software programmes that control specific hardware components to ensure the device operates smoothly. The file might not open if the device drivers required to read or process the file are outdated. Since the Q1Q file is associated with a Photoshop plug-in it could be that your graphics driver needs to be updated. Here is how to update the associated driver:
- Step 1: Press Win+X to open the Device Manager. Scroll down until you locate Device Manager, and press Enter.
- Step 2: Use the right arrow to view all the dropdowns in the Device Manager dialogue box. Scroll down to Display adapters.
- Step 3: Tap the right arrow to view the dropdowns under Display adapters. Right-click on the name of the graphics card for your device, in this case, Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics.
- Step 4: Choose Update driver from the options.
- Step 5: Tap Search automatically for drivers.
To reinstall the driver, go down to Uninstall Driver and press Enter. Then restart your laptop so that the driver can reinstall.
How to open the Q1Q file without its associated software?
Universal file openers (UFOs) or universal file viewers are apps or software that allow the user to view or open multiple file formats. Alternatively, you can try using online file viewers that claim to open Q1Q files.
Also read: What is QMQ file extension?
