How to open MIF files on your device
If an error occurs when you try to open MIF file on your device, you should do two things – install appropriate software and associate MIF files with this software. If this does not solve the problem, then the cause may be different – you will find more details in this article.
MIF File Extension
- File type MapInfo Interchange Format
- File developer Pitney Bowes Software
- File category GIS Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) MIF file?
The MapInfo Interchange Format File (MIF) is a vector file format used to store data in tabular form. MIF files can contain information on spatial features like points, lines, areas and text labels, representing data such as roads, rivers, buildings, parks, cities and more.
The MIF filename convention includes the file extension ".mif" and is supported by most geographic information systems (GIS) capable of interacting with file geodatabases. The associated .mid (MapInfo Interchange Data) stores the coordinate data associated with the features in the MIF file.
How to open MIF file?
There can be various causes of problems that can arise when opening opening .MIF files. Each problem requires a different approach, but most can be solved by following he instructions below.
Step 1. Install a program that supports MIF files
In order to open MIF file an appropriate program that supports this file format must be installed on the system. Below is the list of programs that support files with MIF extension.
Programs that can open MIF files
Download installer for given application and launch it. After the installation has been completed, MIF files should be opened with installed application by default next time you try to open this type of file.
Remember!
Not all listed applications will be capable of performing all operations on MIF files. Some applications may only be capable of opening such file and viewing its contents while the purpose of others may be converting files to other file formats. Therefore you should check beforehand the capabilities of applications in relation to MIF files.
Step 2. Associate given software with MIF files
A situation can arise where user has an appropriate application supporting MIF files installed on their system, but such application is not associated with this type of files. In order to associate given application with MIF files user should open a file submenu by right-clicking the file icon and selecting "Open with" option. System will display a list of suggested programs that can be used to open MIF files. Select appropriate option and check "Always use selected application to open this kind of files". System will save this information from now on use selected program to open MIF files.
Step 3. Check whether no other errors related to MIF files occur
When the above-mentioned solutions fail, other options must be pursued. It is possible that the MIF file in question is corrupted or damage. The most common causes of file damage are:
- File with MIF extension is incomplete (for example, file has not been downloaded completely from the internet or not copied properly from source)
- File data is corrupted
- Damaged or corrupted storage medium on which the MIF file is stored
- File icon does not represent the original file but is only a shortcut to the location where the MIF file was saved and then deleted
- User account is not privileged to perform operations on MIF files. In that case it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
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