Tips to open DFM file
Can't open the DFM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open DFM files as well as a list of programs that support DFM files.
DFM file extension
| File Name |
Delphi Form |
| File Developer |
Embarcadero Technologies |
| File Category |
Developer Files |
The DFM file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the DFM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the DFM file on each system platform.
What is DFM file?
The file with the extension DFM is the Developer Files file type. The author of this format is Embarcadero Technologies. Additionally, the Developer Files category contains 1205 of other files. Delphi Form appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The Delphi application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Embarcadero Technologies, Inc..
How to open DFM file?
The main problem with Delphi Form is that the DFM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open DFM, 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 DFM 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 Delphi
An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Delphi is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Delphi into the system search engine. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open DFM files.
Programs to open DFM file
Remember to download programs supporting DFM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of Delphi with DFM files
If, despite the installed application, the DFM file does not start in the Delphi 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. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. 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. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Delphi application as the default for handling the DFM file.
Step 3. Update Delphi to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the Delphi program, it is possible that Delphi Form requires a newer version of the program. In this case, use the Embarcadero Technologies, Inc. website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the DFM file
Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the DFM file contents when downloading or copying. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file DFM or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected DFM file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the DFM files changes over time. 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 DFM file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting Embarcadero Technologies, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted DFM files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the DFM file to another location.
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. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the DFM file again. 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.
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