Tips to open SID file

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

SID file extension

File Name MrSID Image
File Developer LizardTech
File Category Raster Image Files

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

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

What is SID file?

The file in the SID format belongs to the Raster Image Files category. It was designed by LizardTech. In addition to this file, the Raster Image Files category includes 522 related files. MrSID Image is supported by 2 operating systems. The file will work on Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. This file type can also be opened by 7 other programs. You can use ArcGIS Desktop, Canvas, ERDAS IMAGINE, CompeGPS Land in case Web browser cannot be used.

How to open SID file?

The most common problem when using MrSID Image is that a specific SID is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that SID files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SID 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 Web browser

In this case, you should first verify that the Web browser application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Web browser in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below you will find a list of applications that support SID files.

Step 2. Create association of Web browser with SID files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the SID file to open in the Web browser 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. 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 SID file with the Web browser program.

Step 3. Update Web browser to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the Web browser program, it is possible that MrSID Image requires a newer version of the program.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The SID file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This suggests truncating the SID file contents when downloading or copying. The file should be downloaded again, making sure that the process has finished correctly.
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. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SID or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover SID files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of SID 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. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair SID file corruption.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted SID 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. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the SID file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the SID file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the SID file again. However, some background programs may block the SID file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.