Tips to open MCA file

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

MCA file extension

File Name Minecraft "Anvil" Map Format
File Developer Mojang
File Category Game Files

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

Operating systems
  • 1
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MCA file?

The file in the MCA format belongs to the Game Files category. The creator of this file is Mojang. Additionally, the Game Files category contains 1509 of other files. Minecraft "Anvil" Map 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 main program that supports this format is Minecraft. This was created by Markus Persson. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the MCA file. The NBTExplorer programs will also handle the file when the Minecraft program does not fulfill its role.

How to open MCA file?

An often recurring problem with Minecraft "Anvil" Map Format is that MCA is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that MCA 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 MCA 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 Minecraft

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that Minecraft is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Minecraft into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file MCA.

Programs to open MCA file

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

Step 2. Create association of Minecraft with MCA files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the MCA file still does not use the Minecraft program, it means no 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. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the MCA file with the Minecraft program.

Step 3. Update Minecraft to the latest version

If, however, after binding Minecraft with Minecraft "Anvil" Map 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 Markus Persson page and install.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the MCA file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. 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 MCA file. Sometimes virus-infected MCA files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of MCA 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 this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MCA file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Mojang
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MCA 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.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move MCA to a different directory.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MCA file again. However, some background programs may block the MCA file while scanning. If nothing helps, please reset the device.