Tips to open AB1 file

Can't open the AB1 file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open AB1 files as well as a list of programs that support AB1 files.

AB1 file extension

File Name DNA Electropherogram Format
File Category Data Files

The AB1 file is supported on 2 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the AB1 files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the AB1 file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is AB1 file?

The AB1 file has been categorized as Data Files. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. DNA Electropherogram Format appears on 2 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is SnapGene. This was created by GSL Biotech. This file type can also be opened by 6 other programs. You can use BioEdit, ChromasPro, DNA Baser, Chromas Lite in case SnapGene cannot be used.

How to open AB1 file?

The main problem with DNA Electropherogram Format is that the AB1 file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open AB1, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the AB1 file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install SnapGene

The first step is to check if the computer has the SnapGene program installed. To do this, enter the name SnapGene into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below you will find a list of applications that support AB1 files.

Step 2. Create association of SnapGene with AB1 files

If, despite the installed application, the AB1 file does not start in the SnapGene application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the AB1 file with the SnapGene application.

Step 3. Update SnapGene to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the SnapGene program, it is possible that DNA Electropherogram Format requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the GSL Biotech page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the AB1 file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the AB1 file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the AB1 file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected AB1 file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of AB1 file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular AB1 file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted AB1 files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. It is best to move AB1 to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file AB1 to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.