EL File Extension

What is EL file?

Full format name of files that use EL extension is Emacs Lisp Code Format. The GNU Project defined the Emacs Lisp Code Format format standard. Files with EL extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. EL file format, along with 1205 other file formats, belongs to the Developer Files category. Users are advised to use Emacs software for managing EL files, although 2 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support EL file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support EL files. Files with EL suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with EL extension?

Being unable to open files with EL extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Emacs Lisp Code Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Emacs

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports EL files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Emacs. 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 Emacs installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Emacs to the latest version

You still cannot access EL files although Emacs 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. This can be one of the causes why EL files are not compatible with Emacs. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Emacs.

Step 3. Assign Emacs to EL files

After installing Emacs (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open EL files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the EL file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Emacs is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open EL files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with EL extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EL extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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

1. Check the EL file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the EL file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. EL file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the EL file’s structure is intact

If the EL 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 EL 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.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Emacs

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support EL files. Close all running programs and try opening the EL file.

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 Emacs Lisp Code Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle EL files.

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