3 steps to open file with TAB extension
Usually solving problems with TAB file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open TAB file now!
TAB File Extension
- File type MapInfo TAB 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) TAB file?
The TAB (MapInfo Table File) file is an ASCII text format created by MapInfo to store vector data. It is supported in MapInfo Professional and consists of two files: a .TAB file, which is the actual data table in text form, and a .DAT file, which contains the indexing information. The special vector map elements are stored in the columns of the data table, such as point coordinate pairs, lines and polygon outlines.
The format supports vector drawing elements such as points, lines, and polygons. It also stores attributes like tables, selection sets, and object search queries. The data may be stored in either projected coordinates or longitudinal and latitudinal geographic coordinates.
How to open TAB file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of TAB extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps
Step 1: Install a program that supports TAB files
If an application that supports TAB files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with TAB extension by default.
Hint for Mac OS users
For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the TAB file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.
Step 2: Find and download proper software
Inability to open TAB files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with TAB files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with TAB extension
Step 3: Check the TAB file for errors
Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:
- TAB file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
- Structure of given TAB file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
- Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
- It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related TAB file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
- If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
