EDI File Extension

What is EDI file?

EDI file extension is used by database files conforming to the EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) standard. EDI files store strucutred data in plain text format.

EDI files are used for exchanging variou data between two entities. EDI format was created as a result of a standardized means of transmitting digital information. There exist many different EDI standard implementations, and no one program supports them all. Therefore, entities exchanging data in EDI files should mutually ensure that they use the same EDI standard.

Popular EDI standards:

ENACOM, EDIFACT, IDOC (SAP), TRADACOMS, EDITRANS (transport), EDIFICE (IT), ETIS (communication), cXML, XCBL, VDA (automotive industry), ODETTE (automotive industry), ANSI, X12, CSV, OAGIS.

Programs which support EDI file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open EDI files divided into 4 categories according to system platform supported. Files with EDI suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/04/2024

How to open file with EDI extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening EDI files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with EDI extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Excel

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports EDI files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Excel or different compatible program, such as Stylus Studio, EDI Manager, EDI Engine. 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 Microsoft Excel installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Excel

If you already have Microsoft Excel installed on your systems and EDI files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why EDI files are not compatible with Microsoft Excel. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Excel.

Step 3. Set the default application to open EDI files to Microsoft Excel

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate EDI files with latest version of Microsoft Excel 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 EDI file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Excel is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open EDI files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected EDI file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Excel and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EDI extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the EDI for errors

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

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

Should it happed that the EDI 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. EDI file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic EDI file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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 EDI extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

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 Electronic Data Interchange Format file.

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

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

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 Electronic Data Interchange Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle EDI files.

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