What is a QTZ file?
The .QTZ file extension represents a Quartz Composer File created by Apple. Quartz Composer is a node-based visual programming tool that developers use to build graphical data and visual effects. These files store logic for animations, screen savers, and image filters. Under the hood, .QTZ files use the standard plist (Property List) XML format to store this structural data.
How to open QTZ files?
Historically, users open .QTZ files using Apple Quartz Composer, which was bundled with the Xcode development tools for macOS. Other macOS media applications like QuickTime Player and VDMX could also play these visual compositions natively. However, because Apple deprecated this technology in recent macOS updates, finding modern desktop software to open these files can be difficult, especially on Windows or Linux platforms.
Software and tools
If you receive a .QTZ file and cannot view it natively, you can still inspect its contents. Because the internal structure is a plist format, you can open it with code editors like Visual Studio Code or Notepad++ to read the raw XML data.
To view the file quickly without installing new developer tools, viewer.online/qtz analyzes .QTZ files to identify their exact format and creator software, shows which programs can open the file, and usually previews it. If there is any confusion about what your specific file contains, viewer.online/qtz will help identify the actual format of your file.
Summary
Because .QTZ files use the known plist format, viewer.online/qtz can safely open and display them online, eliminating compatibility problems.