Tips to open M file

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

M file extension

File Name Objective-C Implementation Format
File Developer Apple
File Category Developer Files

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

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is M file?

The file in the M format belongs to the Developer Files category. The author of this format is Apple. Additionally, the Developer Files category contains 1205 of other files. Objective-C Implementation Format appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The main program that supports this format is BBEdit. This was created by Bare Bones Software. There are also 9 alternative programs to handle the M file. You can use MacVim, gVim, TextMate, jEdit in case BBEdit cannot be used.

How to open M file?

The main problem with Objective-C Implementation Format is that the M file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open M, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the M 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 BBEdit

In this case, you should first verify that the BBEdit application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name BBEdit in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file M with BBEdit. Below is a list of programs that support the file M.

Step 2. Create association of BBEdit with M files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the M file to open in the BBEdit application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select 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. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the M file with the BBEdit program.

Step 3. Update BBEdit to the latest version

If, however, after binding BBEdit with Objective-C Implementation 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 Bare Bones Software page and install.

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

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

The M file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the M 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. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our M file. However, remember that not every infected M file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of M 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.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular M file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use Apple help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file M except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
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. It is best to move M to a different directory.
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 M file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.