Files with BIG extension are used by various video games published by Electronics Art.
What type of data BIG files contain?
BIG files store data used by game engine, including textures, configuration files, audio tracks, images, etc.
How BIG files store data?
BIG are very similar to ELF files used by PlayStation game console. Big file use compression to save disk space. In contrast to ELF format, BIG is a proprietary developed by Electronics Art and not is not in any way related to ELF format used by Sony.
What are BIG files used for?
Some EA games can directly import data form BIG files. BIG files are sometimes referred to a mod packages used to modify some aspects of gameplay (alternative physics, new world assets, additional characters, etc).
Programs which support BIG file extension
The following listing features BIG-compatible programs. Files with BIG extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.
There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening BIG files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Electronic Arts Game Data Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.
Step 1. Download and install FinalBIG
Problems with opening and working with BIG files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BIG files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing FinalBIG or different compatible program, such as AssetCacheBuilder, PlayStation hardware, Dragon UnPACKer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading FinalBIG installed is by going to developer’s website (Matthias Wagner) and downloading the software using provided links.
Step 2. Update FinalBIG to the latest version
If you already have FinalBIG installed on your systems and BIG files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that FinalBIG cannot handle files with BIG may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of FinalBIG is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.
Step 3. Associate Electronic Arts Game Data Format files with FinalBIG
After installing FinalBIG (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open BIG files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent
Selecting the first-choice application in Windows
Clicking the BIG with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the FinalBIG installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open BIG files box and clicking OK button.
Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS
By clicking right mouse button on the selected BIG file open the file menu and choose Information
Open the Open with section by clicking its name
From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with BIG extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.
Step 4. Verify that the BIG is not faulty
You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper BIG file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.
1. Check the BIG file for viruses or malware
Should it happed that the BIG is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the BIG file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
2. Verify that the BIG file’s structure is intact
Did you receive the BIG file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the BIG file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.
3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights
Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run FinalBIG
If the systems has insufficient resources to open BIG files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.
5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date
Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Electronic Arts Game Data Format files. It may be the case that the BIG files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
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Windows 
Problems with opening and working with BIG files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with BIG files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing FinalBIG or different compatible program, such as AssetCacheBuilder, PlayStation hardware, Dragon UnPACKer. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading FinalBIG installed is by going to developer’s website (Matthias Wagner) and downloading the software using provided links. 
If you already have FinalBIG installed on your systems and BIG files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that FinalBIG cannot handle files with BIG may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of FinalBIG is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.
