NBT file icon

NBT File Extension

Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format
  • Developer
    Mojang
  • Category
  • Popularity
    4.2 (12 votes)

What is NBT file?

NBT filename suffix is mostly used for Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format files. Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format format was developed by Mojang. NBT files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. Files with NBT extension are categorized as Game Files files. The Game Files subset comprises 1509 various file formats. Users are advised to use NBTExplorer software for managing NBT files, although 2 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support NBT file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support NBT files. NBT files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Programs that support NBT file

How to open file with NBT extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening NBT files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with NBT 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. Get the NBTExplorer

Install software to open NBT file The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports NBT files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select NBTExplorer or one of the recommended programs (for example, NEINedit) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading NBTExplorer installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of NBTExplorer

Update software that support file extension NBTIf you already have NBTExplorer installed on your systems and NBT files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of NBTExplorer installed, it may not support NBT format. The latest version of NBTExplorer should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format files with NBTExplorer

If you have the latest version of NBTExplorer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage NBT on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Associate software with NBT file on Windows

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

  • Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the NBT file
  • Select Choose another app → More apps
  • Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where NBTExplorer is installed, check the Always use this app to open NBT files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button
Associate software with NBT file on Mac

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

  • Right-click the NBT file and select Information
  • Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
  • Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
  • A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with NBT extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the NBT for errors

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

Check NBT file for viruses
1. Check the NBT file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the NBT file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the NBT file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. NBT file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the NBT 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. When downloading the file with NBT extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format file again.

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

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support NBT files. Close all running programs and try opening the NBT 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 Minecraft Named Binary Tag Format files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with NBT files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the NBT file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on NBT file.

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