TBX File Extension

What is TBX file?

Files with the extension .TBX contain a dictionary, glossary for Trados Studio software. They have a simple text format, based on the XML standard. The TermBase Exchange recording standard was created to facilitate data exchange between different applications, tools, and also for the purpose of disseminating, consistent representation, and data analysis. It is available under the open source, ISO standard, and LISA - Locational Industry Standards Association. The files can store information about terminology, lexical data.

Content and use of TBX files

TBX files are primarily used for proper organization and archiving of information in definition databases, containing data related to various terminology. As also mentioned, they are used for exchanging this type of data between systems. The data records can consist of four main data categories:

• core-structure module data-category, such as dates, words, definitions;
• meta data-category, containing attributes for the data, their typing,
• data-category implemented using an attribute,
• data-category implemented using the content of an element.

There is a subset defining the TBX-Basic standard, allowing the use of only part of the set of data categories.

Files with the .TBX extension - import and conversion

Files with the extension .TBX can be imported into Trados Studio software for translation creation. Files with the .TBX extension are supported by many applications due to the openness of the standard. There is also the possibility of converting TBX files to other formats used for storing dictionary data.

Programs which support TBX file extension

Programs that can handle TBX files are as follows. Files with TBX 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: 03/12/2024

How to open file with TBX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TBX files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Trados Glossary files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Trados software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports TBX files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the Trados developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Trados website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Trados to the latest version

You still cannot access TBX files although Trados is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why TBX files are not compatible with Trados. The latest version of Trados should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open TBX files to Trados

After installing Trados (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open TBX files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the TBX file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Trados is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open TBX files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• Right-click the TBX 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 TBX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

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

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

Should it happed that the TBX is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the TBX file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the TBX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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. It could happen the the download process of file with TBX 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 out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Trados Glossary file.

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

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Trados Glossary files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle TBX files.

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