ANI File Extension

What is ANI file?

Full format name of files that use ANI extension is Animated Cursor. Animated Cursor format was developed by Microsoft. ANI files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. ANI file belongs to the System Files category just like 323 other filename extensions listed in our database. Users are advised to use CursorWorkshop software for managing ANI files, although 8 other programs can also handle this type of file. Software named CursorWorkshop was created by Axialis Software. In order to find more detailed information on the software and ANI files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support ANI file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open ANI files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. ANI files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

How to open file with ANI extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening ANI files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Animated Cursor files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with ANI files.

Step 1. Download and install CursorWorkshop

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ANI files is that no program that can handle ANI files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing CursorWorkshop or different compatible program, such as Inkscape, RealWorld Cursor Editor, ArtCursors. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit CursorWorkshop website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of CursorWorkshop and update if needed

If the problems with opening ANI files still occur even after installing CursorWorkshop, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of CursorWorkshop is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that CursorWorkshop cannot handle files with ANI may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of CursorWorkshop should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign CursorWorkshop to ANI files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ANI files with latest version of CursorWorkshop you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the ANI file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where CursorWorkshop is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ANI files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the ANI file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ANI extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the ANI file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the ANI file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the ANI in question is not infected with a computer virus

Should it happed that the ANI is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the ANI file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Verify that the ANI file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the ANI file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with ANI extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Animated Cursor file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run CursorWorkshop

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support ANI files. Close all running programs and try opening the ANI file.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Animated Cursor file. It may be the case that the ANI files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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