Tips to open VIM file

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

VIM file extension

File Name Vim Settings Format
File Category Settings Files

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

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

What is VIM file?

The file with the extension VIM is the Settings Files file type. Additionally, the Settings Files category contains 1305 of other files. Vim Settings Format is most often found on 3 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. Alternatively, you can use 3 other programs. You can use gVim, Vim in case MacVim cannot be used.

How to open VIM file?

The most common problem when using Vim Settings Format is that a specific VIM is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that VIM 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 VIM 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 MacVim

The first step is to check if the computer has the MacVim program installed. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name MacVim in it. If it is not, installation may solve the problem, as most applications create file associations during installation. Below is a list of programs that support the file VIM.

Programs to open VIM file

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

Vim
Vim
Step 2. Create association of MacVim with VIM files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VIM file to open in the MacVim application, but you can set it manually. 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 VIM file with the MacVim application.

Step 3. Update MacVim to the latest version

If, despite the association of the MacVim program with the Vim Settings 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 VIM file

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

The VIM file may be unusually small compared to the original file. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VIM file. 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. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the VIM file that we want to open. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VIM files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of VIM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. 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 the failure. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular VIM file corruption.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file VIM 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 operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the VIM file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Closing other programs should help. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the VIM file again. However, some background programs may block the VIM file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.