Tips to open SMIL file

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

SMIL file extension

File Name SMIL Presentation Format
File Developer SYMM Working Group
File Category Video Files

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

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is SMIL file?

The file with the extension SMIL is the Video Files file type. The creator of this file is SYMM Working Group. Video Files consists of 546 similar files. SMIL Presentation Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is RealPlayer. This was created by RealNetworks, Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 8 other programs. You can use ACDSee, QuickTime Player, KMPlayer, Ambulant Player in case RealPlayer cannot be used.

How to open SMIL file?

An often recurring problem with SMIL Presentation Format is that SMIL is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that SMIL 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 SMIL 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 RealPlayer

The first step is to check if the computer has the RealPlayer program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name RealPlayer in it. 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 SMIL.

Step 2. Create association of RealPlayer with SMIL files

If, despite the installed application, the SMIL file does not start in the RealPlayer application, you must create a file association. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of 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. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the SMIL file with the RealPlayer application.

Step 3. Update RealPlayer to the latest version

If, despite the association of the RealPlayer program with the SMIL Presentation Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the RealNetworks, Inc. website and install the latest version.

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

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. File problems can be divided into the following:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This suggests truncating the SMIL file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should fix the problem. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. For the best results, we will scan the entire operating system, not just our SMIL file. Sometimes virus-infected SMIL files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the SMIL files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged SMIL files. You can restore the file from a backup or use SYMM Working Group help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file SMIL 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 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 SMIL file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the SMIL file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.