Tips to open LWO file

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

LWO file extension

File Name LightWave 3D Object Format
File Developer NewTek
File Category 3D Image Files

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

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

What is LWO file?

The LWO file has been categorized as 3D Image Files. The creator of this file is NewTek. In addition to this file, the 3D Image Files category includes 622 related files. LightWave 3D Object Format is most often found on 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The LightWave 3D application is recommended to open the file. It was released by NewTek, Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 6 other programs. You can use Blender, Micro Poser, AccuTrans 3D, 3D Object Converter in case LightWave 3D cannot be used.

How to open LWO file?

The most common problem when using LightWave 3D Object Format is that a specific LWO is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that LWO files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the LWO 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 LightWave 3D

In this case, you should first verify that the LightWave 3D application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name LightWave 3D into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file LWO with LightWave 3D. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open LWO files.

Step 2. Create association of LightWave 3D with LWO files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the LWO file to open in the LightWave 3D application, but you can set it manually. 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. 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 LightWave 3D application as the default for handling the LWO file.

Step 3. Update LightWave 3D to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the LightWave 3D program, it is possible that LightWave 3D Object Format requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the NewTek, Inc. website and install the latest version.

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

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the LWO file. The only repair option is to download the file again.
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. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file LWO or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected LWO file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of LWO file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair LWO file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use NewTek help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted LWO 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 LWO file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the LWO file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file LWO to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.