EDF File Extension

What is EDF file?

EDF format was developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble. Each EDF files has a header section that contains file metadata and a short description generated manually or automatically Second part of the file contains experimental data (typically images) in binary format. EDF is an open, non-proprietary format. An updated version of EDF, EDF+, adds some new features but still uses the same EDF extension.

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble

Experimental data is commonly treated as confidential at ESRF. EDF data container was developed to securely store and share data among researchers at the facility and to restrict access to experimental data only to authorized users.

Programs which support EDF file extension

The following listing features EDF-compatible programs. Files with EDF 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.

Updated: 05/08/2023

How to open file with EDF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening EDF files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to ESRF Data Format 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 EDF files.

Step 1. Install SAXS Program Package software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening EDF files is that no program that can handle EDF files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing SAXS Program Package or different compatible program, such as EDFExplorer. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support EDF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download SAXS Program Package installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of SAXS Program Package and update if needed

You still cannot access EDF files although SAXS Program Package is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that SAXS Program Package cannot handle files with EDF may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using SAXS Program Package.

Step 3. Assign SAXS Program Package to EDF files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate EDF files with latest version of SAXS Program Package you have installed 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

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the EDF file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the SAXS Program Package installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open EDF files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the EDF file and select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EDF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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 EDF file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The EDF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the EDF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the EDF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. EDF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

If the EDF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the EDF 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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the ESRF Data Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run SAXS Program Package

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

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 ESRF Data Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle EDF files.

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