DITA File Extension

What is DITA file?

Full format name of files that use DITA extension is DITA Document. OASIS defined the DITA Document format standard. DITA files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. DITA file format, along with 1326 other file formats, belongs to the Data Files category. Users are advised to use Adobe FrameMaker software for managing DITA files, although 4 other programs can also handle this type of file. On the official website of Adobe Systems Incorporated developer not only will you find detailed information about theAdobe FrameMaker software, but also about DITA and other supported file formats.

Programs which support DITA file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support DITA files. Files with DITA 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.

How to open file with DITA extension?

Being unable to open files with DITA extension can be have various origins. Fortunately, most common problems with DITA files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Adobe FrameMaker software

Problems with opening and working with DITA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with DITA files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe FrameMaker or one of the recommended programs (for example, Eclipse, XMetaL, DITA Open Toolkit) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Adobe FrameMaker installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe FrameMaker

If the problems with opening DITA files still occur even after installing Adobe FrameMaker, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe FrameMaker is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. The reason that Adobe FrameMaker cannot handle files with DITA may be that the software is outdated. The most recent version of Adobe FrameMaker is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate DITA Document files with Adobe FrameMaker

If you have the latest version of Adobe FrameMaker installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DITA on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the DITA file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Adobe FrameMaker is installed, check the Always use this app to open DITA files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

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

Step 4. Verify that the DITA is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the DITA file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the DITA file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DITA 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. DITA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with DITA extension is complete and error-free

If the DITA 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. It could happen the the download process of file with DITA 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.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Adobe FrameMaker

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with DITA extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with DITA Document files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with DITA files affecting older versions of given software.

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