NC File Extension

What is NC file?

NC files store various types of data, typically science-related. NC files store multidimensional data organized in arrays. NC is an open, platform-independent binary format used by NetCDF tools managed by Unidata. NC format, through APIs and libraries, is supported by many popular programming languages and facilitates creation and sharing of scientific data. Source code is written in C, while additional libraries and interfaces are available for Java, C++, and Fortran. NC files are supported by various tools available for most operating systems and hardware platforms.

NetCDF tools store data in files with .NC extension, which replaced the original .CDF extensions in 1994 to avoid confusion with other popular file formats. NC files are defined as:

• Self-describing – file contains information about the data it stores,
• Platform-independent – such files can be opened on various platforms by default,
• Scalable – can easily store small and large amounts of data,
• New data can be added to the file without rebuilding file structure,
• Shareable,
• Easy to archive and backwards-compatible – all versions of NC format are supported by dedicated libraries, including those to be released in the future.

Open Geospatial Consortium recognizes the NC format as the international standard for data exchange. NC files typically contain meteorological or geographical (GIS), climatological, or oceanographic data.

Programs which support NC file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with NC files, divided into 2 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with NC suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 03/02/2020

How to open file with NC extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening NC files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with NC extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install MATLAB

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports NC files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select MATLAB or one of the recommended programs (for example, netCDF, Panoply, Ncview) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support NC files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit MATLAB website and download the installer.

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

If you already have MATLAB installed on your systems and NC 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 MATLAB cannot handle files with NC may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of MATLAB should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign MATLAB to NC files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate NC files with latest version of MATLAB you have installed 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.

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the NC file
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where MATLAB is installed, check the Always use this app to open NC files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• Right-click the NC file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with NC extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the NC for 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 NC file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

Should it happed that the NC is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the NC file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with NC extension is complete and error-free

If the NC 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 NC 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.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Unidata Network Common Data Form Format file.

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

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with NC extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Unidata Network Common Data Form Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle NC files.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the NC 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 NC file.