Tips to open SHP file

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

SHP file extension

File Name Shapes Format
File Category 3D Image Files

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

Operating systems
  • 7
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SHP file?

The .SHP file is an image file. It contains three-dimensional or, less frequently, two-dimensional graphics. A file is commonly referred to as a shape or a shake (Polish word for shape). It contains a simple single graphic form. It usually consists of polygons identified by edges. These files are often used in other larger projects and games. Many graphics programs use .SHP files, so they are quite universally applicable.

How to open SHP file?

An often recurring problem with Shapes Format is that SHP is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that SHP files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SHP 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 CorelCAD

In this case, you should first verify that the CorelCAD application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name CorelCAD 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 SHP with CorelCAD. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open SHP files.

Step 2. Create association of CorelCAD with SHP files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SHP file to open in the CorelCAD application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. 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. 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. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the CorelCAD application as the default for handling the SHP file.

Step 3. Update CorelCAD to the latest version

If, despite the association of the CorelCAD program with the Shapes Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to SHP files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
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. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SHP or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected SHP files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of SHP 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 ability to automatically repair SHP file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted SHP files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
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. If possible, you can try to move the SHP file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file SHP to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the SHP file for a certain period of time. If the problem persists, restart the machine.