Tips to open GBW file

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

GBW file extension

File Name Gerbview Workspace Data Format
File Category Settings Files

The GBW file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the GBW files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the GBW file on each system platform.

Operating systems
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What is GBW file?

The GBW file has been categorized as Settings Files. Additionally, the Settings Files category contains 1305 of other files. Gerbview Workspace Data Format is supported by 1 operating systems. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is Gerbview. This was created by Software Companions.

How to open GBW file?

The main problem with Gerbview Workspace Data Format is that the GBW file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file GBW to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the GBW 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 Gerbview

In this case, you should first verify that the Gerbview application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing Gerbview into the operating 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 GBW files.

Programs to open GBW file

Remember to download programs supporting GBW files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of Gerbview with GBW files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the GBW file to open in the Gerbview application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Gerbview application as the default for handling the GBW file.

Step 3. Update Gerbview to the latest version

If, however, after binding Gerbview with Gerbview Workspace Data Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Software Companions page and install.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the GBW file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our GBW file. However, remember that not every infected GBW file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the GBW file. 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 the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular GBW file corruption. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting , but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted GBW 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.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the GBW file to another location.
This problem usually affects 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. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the GBW file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.