DIST File Extension

What is DIST file?

Full format name of files that use DIST extension is Mac OS X Distribution Script. Apple defined the Mac OS X Distribution Script format standard. DIST file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS system platform. DIST file format, along with 236 other file formats, belongs to the Compressed Files category. TextMate supports DIST files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 1 other tools may also be used. TextMate software was developed by MacroMates Ltd., and on its official website you may find more information about DIST files or the TextMate software program.

Programs which support DIST file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with DIST files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. DIST 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 DIST extension?

Being unable to open files with DIST extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Mac OS X Distribution Script 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 DIST files.

Step 1. Download and install TextMate

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DIST files is that no program that can handle DIST files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select TextMate or one of the recommended programs (for example, Sequence Alignment and Modeling system) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. 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 TextMate website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of TextMate

You still cannot access DIST files although TextMate is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of TextMate installed, it may not support DIST format. The most recent version of TextMate is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Mac OS X Distribution Script files with TextMate

If you have the latest version of TextMate installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DIST on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the DIST with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the TextMate installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open DIST files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the DIST file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select TextMate and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DIST extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the DIST is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DIST file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Check the DIST file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DIST file hinders attempts to open 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 DIST file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the DIST file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with DIST extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Mac OS X Distribution Script file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open TextMate

If the systems has insufficient resources to open DIST files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

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

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the DIST file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on DIST file.