Tips to open VSS file

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

VSS file extension

File Name Visio Stencil Format
File Category Raster Image Files

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

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is VSS file?

The VSS file has been categorized as Raster Image Files. Additionally, the Raster Image Files category contains 522 of other files. Visio Stencil Format is supported by 2 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Mac OS, Windows. The OmniGraffle application is recommended to open the file. It was released by The Omni Group. This file type can also be opened by 5 other programs. The Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Visio 2010, Visio 2010: Visio Viewer programs will also handle the file when the OmniGraffle program does not fulfill its role.

How to open VSS file?

An often recurring problem with Visio Stencil Format is that VSS is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open VSS, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VSS 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 OmniGraffle

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that OmniGraffle is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing OmniGraffle 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 VSS with OmniGraffle. Below you will find a list of applications that support VSS files.

Step 2. Create association of OmniGraffle with VSS files

If, despite the installed application, the VSS file does not start in the OmniGraffle application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. 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. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VSS file with the OmniGraffle program.

Step 3. Update OmniGraffle to the latest version

The fault may also lie with the OmniGraffle program, it is possible that Visio Stencil Format requires a newer version of the program. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the The Omni Group website and install the latest version.

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

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

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the VSS file contents when downloading or copying. 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. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file VSS or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected VSS files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the VSS file. 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 VSS file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use N/A help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted VSS 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.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the VSS file to another location will fix the problem.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. In this case, the VSS file is blocked by the first application to open it. Closing other programs should help. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.