Files with .TNL extension store image thumbnails in Thumbnail Image format. Thumbnails are image miniatures that hold preview images. TNL files are generated automatically by image viewers and managers. Alternatively, TNL files can be called image previews. Previews are displayed when browsing images in JPEG format, for example, to prevent opening large image files each time the image catalog or folder is accessed.
TNL format is used by XnView image viewer to quickly generate image previews. Thumbnail files are created upon the first time given image folder is opened and it may take some time for the process to complete and display generated miniatures. It is worth reminding that TNL files do not store images, only thumbnails, and cannot be used to recover deleted or corrupted source images.
Programs that can handle TNL files are as follows. Files with TNL 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: 04/26/2023
There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TNL files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with TNL 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.
The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports TNL files installed on the system. To address this issue, go to the XnView 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 XnView website and download the installer.
If you already have XnView installed on your systems and TNL 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. The reason that XnView cannot handle files with TNL may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of XnView should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.
If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate TNL files with latest version of XnView 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.
Selecting the first-choice application in Windows
Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS
If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the TNL file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
If the TNL is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the TNL file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
Did you receive the TNL file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with TNL extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.
There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support TNL files. Close all running programs and try opening the TNL file.
Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Thumbnail Image Format files. It may be the case that the TNL files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.
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