Tips to open HDF file

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

HDF file extension

File Name Hierarchical Data Format
File Category Data Files

The HDF file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the HDF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the HDF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 2
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is HDF file?

The file in the HDF format belongs to the Data Files category. Additionally, the Data Files category contains 1326 of other files. Hierarchical Data Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The HDFView application is recommended to open the file. It was released by The HDF Group. There are also 10 alternative programs to handle the HDF file. GDAL, FME Desktop, IGOR Pro, HDF Explorer will apply when it is not possible to use HDFView.

How to open HDF file?

The main problem with Hierarchical Data Format is that the HDF file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open HDF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the HDF 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 HDFView

In this case, you should first verify that the HDFView application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing HDFView into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file HDF with HDFView. Below you will find a list of applications that support HDF files.

Step 2. Create association of HDFView with HDF files

If, despite the installed application, the HDF file does not start in the HDFView application, you must create a file association. 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. 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 HDF file with the HDFView application.

Step 3. Update HDFView to the latest version

If, however, after binding HDFView with Hierarchical Data Format there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version. In this case, use the The HDF Group website or update the program from the application.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. File problems can be divided into the following:

The HDF file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the HDF file. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our HDF file. Sometimes virus-infected HDF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of HDF 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 the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged HDF files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting N/A, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted HDF 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. It is best to move HDF to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. 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 it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the HDF file again. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the HDF file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.