Tips to open MXD file
Can't open the MXD file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MXD files as well as a list of programs that support MXD files.
MXD file extension
| File Name |
ArcGIS Map Document |
| File Developer |
ESRI |
| File Category |
GIS Files |
The MXD file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MXD files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MXD file on each system platform.
What is MXD file?
The file in the MXD format belongs to the GIS Files category. The author of this format is ESRI. In addition to this file, the GIS Files category includes 255 related files. ArcGIS Map Document is most often found on 1 operating systems. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The ArcGIS Desktop application is recommended to open the file. It was released by Esri.
How to open MXD file?
The most common problem when using ArcGIS Map Document is that a specific MXD is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that MXD 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 MXD 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 ArcGIS Desktop
The first step is to check if the computer has the ArcGIS Desktop program installed. This can be achieved by typing ArcGIS Desktop 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. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open MXD files.
Programs to open MXD file
Remember to download programs supporting MXD files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of ArcGIS Desktop with MXD files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the MXD file to open in the ArcGIS Desktop 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 select the desired program. 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 MXD file with the ArcGIS Desktop program.
Step 3. Update ArcGIS Desktop to the latest version
If, despite the association of the ArcGIS Desktop program with the ArcGIS Map Document file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the Esri website or update the program from the application.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MXD file
The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't 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 MXD file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. 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 MXD file. However, remember that not every infected MXD file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the MXD files changes over time. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MXD files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact ESRI
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted MXD 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 of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the MXD file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the MXD file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MXD file again. However, some background programs may block the MXD file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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