GRIB File Extension

What is GRIB file?

GRIB is a file extension commonly associated with Gridded Binary Format files. Gridded Binary Format specification was created by World Meteorological Organization. Files with GRIB extension may be used by programs distributed for Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with GRIB extension are categorized as Data Files files. The Data Files subset comprises 1326 various file formats. GrADS supports GRIB files and is the most frequently used program to handle such files, yet 2 other tools may also be used.

Programs which support GRIB file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support GRIB files. Files with GRIB 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 GRIB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening GRIB files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with GRIB 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. Download and install GrADS

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GRIB files is that no program that can handle GRIB files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install GrADS or one to the listed programs: Ugrib. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support GRIB files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download GrADS installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of GrADS and update if needed

If the problems with opening GRIB files still occur even after installing GrADS, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of GrADS is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that GrADS cannot handle files with GRIB may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of GrADS should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open GRIB files to GrADS

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

Change the default application in Windows

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

Change the default application in Mac OS

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

Step 4. Check the GRIB for errors

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the GRIB 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 GRIB file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic GRIB file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. 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 GRIB 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.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Gridded Binary Format file.

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

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

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 Gridded Binary Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the GRIB files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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