OpenEXR is a high dynamic range (HDR) image file format developed by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). It is designed for use in computer imaging applications where high precision and dynamic range are required, such as visual effects, animation, and scientific imaging. EXR files can store floating-point color data, allowing for a much wider range of colors and brightness levels than traditional 8-bit or 16-bit image formats. This makes them ideal for storing intermediate rendering results and compositing elements. OpenEXR supports multiple layers, channels, and compression methods, including lossless and lossy options. It is an open standard and widely supported by professional image editing and compositing software. The format's ability to handle complex image data and maintain high fidelity makes it a crucial tool in the visual effects and animation industries.