LYR File Extension

What is LYR file?

LYR is a file extension commonly associated with ArcView Layer Format files. ArcView Layer Format specification was created by ESRI. LYR file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. LYR file belongs to the Misc Files category just like 6033 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular software that supports LYR files is ArcGIS Desktop. ArcGIS Desktop software was developed by Esri, and on its official website you may find more information about LYR files or the ArcGIS Desktop software program.

Programs which support LYR file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support LYR files. Files with LYR 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 LYR extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening LYR files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with LYR files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install ArcGIS Desktop

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening LYR files is that no program that can handle LYR files is installed on user’s system. To address this issue, go to the ArcGIS Desktop developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading ArcGIS Desktop installed is by going to developer’s website (Esri) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update ArcGIS Desktop to the latest version

If you already have ArcGIS Desktop installed on your systems and LYR files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that ArcGIS Desktop cannot handle files with LYR may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of ArcGIS Desktop should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open LYR files to ArcGIS Desktop

After installing ArcGIS Desktop (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open LYR files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the LYR 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 ArcGIS Desktop installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open LYR files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected LYR file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• 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 LYR extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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

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

If the LYR is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the LYR file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

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

If the LYR 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. It could happen the the download process of file with LYR 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 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 ArcGIS Desktop

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with ArcView Layer Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with LYR files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

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