PCBLIB File Extension

What is PCBLIB file?

Full format name of files that use PCBLIB extension is Protel PCB Library Format. PCBLIB files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with PCBLIB extension are categorized as Misc Files files. The Misc Files subset comprises 6033 various file formats. The most popular software that supports PCBLIB files is Altium Designer. Altium Designer software was developed by Altium Limited., and on its official website you may find more information about PCBLIB files or the Altium Designer software program.

Programs which support PCBLIB file extension

The following listing features PCBLIB-compatible programs. Files with PCBLIB 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: 06/19/2020

How to open file with PCBLIB extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PCBLIB files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PCBLIB files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PCBLIB files.

Step 1. Download and install Altium Designer

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PCBLIB files is that no program that can handle PCBLIB files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Altium Designer and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Altium Designer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Altium Designer

You still cannot access PCBLIB files although Altium Designer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Altium Designer installed, it may not support PCBLIB format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Altium Designer.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PCBLIB files to Altium Designer

If you have the latest version of Altium Designer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PCBLIB 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

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the PCBLIB 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 Altium Designer is installed, check the Always use this app to open PCBLIB files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the PCBLIB file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PCBLIB extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the PCBLIB for errors

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

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PCBLIB file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the PCBLIB file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the PCBLIB file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the PCBLIB 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 PCBLIB file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

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 Protel PCB Library Format file.

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

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Protel PCB Library Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the PCBLIB files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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