Tips to open TFW file

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

TFW file extension

File Name World Format For TIFF
File Developer ESRI
File Category GIS Files

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

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

What is TFW file?

The file with the extension TFW is the GIS Files file type. The creator of this file is ESRI. GIS Files consists of 255 similar files. World Format For TIFF is most often found on 2 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Windows. The main program that supports this format is ArcReader. This was created by Esri. Alternatively, you can use 2 other programs. ArcGIS Desktop will apply when it is not possible to use ArcReader.

How to open TFW file?

The main problem with World Format For TIFF is that the TFW file is incorrectly associated with programs. This causes the file TFW to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the TFW 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 ArcReader

In this case, you should first verify that the ArcReader application is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing ArcReader into the operating system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file TFW with ArcReader. Below is a list of programs that support the file TFW.

Programs to open TFW file

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

Step 2. Create association of ArcReader with TFW files

If, despite the installed application, the TFW file does not start in the ArcReader application, you must create a file 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. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the TFW file with the ArcReader application.

Step 3. Update ArcReader to the latest version

If, however, after binding ArcReader with World Format For TIFF 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 Esri page and install.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the TFW file. 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. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file TFW or the program directory. However, remember that not every infected TFW file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of TFW file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair TFW file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use ESRI help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted TFW 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. These directories are write-protected to them and it's very hard to fix this problem. If possible, you can try to move the TFW file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file TFW to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.