MIF File Extension

What is MIF file?

MIF files are associated with MapInfo software.

What kind of data MIF files contain?

Files with MIF extension store various geographical data in plain text format. Each MIF file has a header section and object data section. MIF files are commonly used by various GIS software.

Wkat is GIS software?

GIS abbreviation stands for Geographic Information System. In practice any kind of software for collecting, storing, analyzing, or visualizing geographical data is considered a type of GIS application. GIS applications can be divided into two groups, commercial and free (open-source, non-commercial) applications, whereas non-commercial applications often offer more capabilities than their commercial counterparts, but may be harder to used or less intuitive to operate. There are many different GIS data formats available and even more applications that support those format. OGC organization aims to standardized the GIS formats to some degree by promoting the MIF format, which is becoming more and more popular.

How are MIF and MID format connected?

MIF files often contain references to other resources, and such file are given the MID extension. MID files store object parameters defined in associated MIF files. The use of MID files is optional and typically is limited to situations where a larger geographical object data set must be stored efficiently.

Programs which support MIF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support MIF files. MIF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/09/2022

How to open file with MIF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MIF files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with MIF 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 MapInfo

Problems with opening and working with MIF files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with MIF files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing MapInfo or different compatible program, such as GDAL, XnView, Didger. 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 MapInfo installed is by going to developer’s website (Pitney Bowes Software Inc. (MapInfo)) and downloading the software using provided links.

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

If you already have MapInfo installed on your systems and MIF 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 MIF files are not compatible with MapInfo. The most recent version of MapInfo is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate MapInfo Interchange Format files with MapInfo

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MIF files with latest version of MapInfo you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the MIF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the 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 MapInfo is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MIF files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the MIF file and 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 MIF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper MIF file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the MIF 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. MIF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the MIF file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the MIF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the MapInfo Interchange Format file again.

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

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support MIF files. Close all running programs and try opening the MIF 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 MapInfo Interchange Format files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle MIF files.

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