LDIF File Extension

What is LDIF file?

LDIF file contains LDAP object data saved in generic text format for LDAP data interchange. LDIF specification was described in RFC 2849 document published in 2000. LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a standard for directory information services based on X.500 standard, but required less resources and bandwidth. It is based on TCP/IP protocol. LDIF file can store either information about a directory or changes made to it, never both. The first lines of LDIF file can contain metadata, including format version and encoding. LDIF file structure is comprised of sets of records and separators. Operation on directories that can be stored in LDIF files include:

• Add – add record,
• Delete – delete record
• Modify – modify record,
• Modrdn or moddn – change distinguished name (record’s unique identifier).

Record of applied changes comprises of a line that identifies given object and lines that describe each change. Records that store directory content are represented as multiple lines which identify given object and its attributes in the form of attribute:value pair.

LDIF files can be viewed with various server applications such ldapadd (run in Qshell), or when importing or exporting directories.

Programs which support LDIF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support LDIF files. Files with LDIF 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: 02/29/2020

How to open file with LDIF extension?

Problems with accessing LDIF may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to LDAP Data Interchange 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. Download and install LDAP Browser

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports LDIF files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select LDAP Browser or one of the recommended programs (for example, Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Address Book, Apache Directory) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download LDAP Browser installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update LDAP Browser to the latest version

You still cannot access LDIF files although LDAP Browser 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 LDIF files are not compatible with LDAP Browser. The most recent version of LDAP Browser is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate LDAP Data Interchange Format files with LDAP Browser

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

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the LDIF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• 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 LDAP Browser installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open LDIF files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with LDIF 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....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with LDIF extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the LDIF for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the LDIF file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Verify that the LDIF in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the LDIF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the LDIF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If you obtained the problematic LDIF 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. If the LDIF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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 in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

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

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

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

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