Hello friends! Today we are talking about files with the DBF format and how to open them. Is this extension familiar? So much the better - you simply repeat what you have already learned, but if I turn out to be wrong in something, then you can safely point out the mistakes. Let's start, as always, with a little background information.
DBF File Extension - What is it?
Files in this format used for storing various data, as well as for transferring various information between control systems (tables, databases, reports, etc.)
If you look at history, you can trace the chain various programs, which used enhanced versions of .DBF, set functionality which changed each time: dBase II (standard format) -> dBase III -> dBase IV ->...
A similar situation was observed with a number of different application packages and libraries that also used the DBF format for their own purposes.
Thus, it is difficult to say, due to the lack of standardization, that a created or developed program will freely recognize any file with such an extension. However, the general base is still preserved:
- header (information about the structure of the database and the number of records)
- data area (fixed size table)
It is logical to assume that in connection with this state of affairs, there is a large number of viewers. And without exact knowledge of the program in which the file was created, the opening process turns into a fascinating puzzle. Although there is a list of universal programs and editors, which is presented below.
How to open a file with the DBF extension?
1. A universal tool for reading the format is Excel.
2. WinDBFview - free program to view and edit files with the DBF extension. More modern versions contain a built-in option to view address classifiers.
3. Database Workshop is a database editor. Its main functions are: viewing, editing and exporting tables in various formats. This program is distinguished by its versatility, wide range of functionality and simplicity, which makes it useful for both professionals and ordinary users.
4. CDBF is a powerful software that allows you to perform various operations with content without resorting to programming. In addition, you can expand the functionality by installing plugins, as well as enter your data and create new reports using the built-in editor.
5. STM-Data Explorer provides the following capabilities:
- reading information from local and server DBMSs
- sorting and filtering information
- table structure data
- ability to create bookmarks
- ability to open table in new window
- autoboot function at system startup
- transferring information to Word, Excel, IE
6. DBF SEE - a free, simple and convenient viewer that supports editing and encoding tables.
7. DBREdit is an editor for DBF tables and databases, designed to work without the use of additional drivers and access systems. The program supports working with dBaseIII+, dBaseIV, dBaseV, dBaseVII, FoxPro, VisualFoxPro and tables of the author's own design. In addition, DBREdit provides the ability to work together on multiple computers on a shared basis.
8. DBF Editor is an editor and viewer for files with the DBF extension, providing the ability to perform various operations with databases, including import and export. Supports dBase III, dBase IV, FoxPro, Visual FoxPro and Clipper formats.
9. DBFViewer provides functions for editing, quick viewing and printing of DBF documents with dBase, Clipper, Foxpro, Visual Foxpro, Visual Dbase formats. In addition, the following options are available:
- search followed by pattern replacement
- package
- creating new documents
- data deletion and recovery,
- modification
- export
- setting additional parameters(font, color, etc.)
10. DBFNavigator 2.01 is a Windows software that provides the following features
- saving individual settings
- support for all format versions
- reading memo fields
- encoding and recoding
- editing
- search
- preservation
- filter
- seal
- no external drivers
We present to your attention a list of the best and most popular programs. I hope you found the information provided useful. See you soon!
If you find a file with the DBF extension somewhere and don’t know how to open it, and operating system can not find installed programs, capable of working with such files, then you have come to the right address. Indeed, in our article we will deal with the problem of opening such files - we will find out why the DBF format is used in general, what programs are best to use for working with files of this format, and what should be taken into account.
What is DBF format
Most often, accountants will have to open dbf files - 1C 7 stores data in them
Dbf files are used to store and transmit information. They are used in management systems by databases, etc. Today, the dbf extension is used by various applications, although it was originally only provided by the dBase program. At first dBase was the most popular program for working with databases, with the advent of Microsoft Access it somewhat lost its position. Despite this, many new programs use the dbf extension.
What programs can open a DBF file?
Questions often arise about which program to choose to open a dbf file. So... A DBF file is a database file that can be used in Visual FoxPRO, FoxPro, 1C 7.7. Most convenient applications to edit such files are the following:
- DBFShow. This is a free program. It is characterized by wide functionality, which is why it is popular among users. The developers are constantly improving the program, new features appear in it.
- DBFViewer 2000 is an excellent, well-developed application, one of its main advantages is its wide capabilities for both exporting and importing data. However, it is positioned as shareware.
- DBF Navigator - the program pleases with its speed and is distributed free of charge, but, unfortunately, the developer company has already stopped releasing updates.
If you install the right application If this is not possible, then use Excel or its equivalent - Open Office Calc.
There is no way to open and save dbf files, so you must first connect the special add-on “dbf_operations.xla” and use it in the future.
In addition to those described, there are other editors that work with dbf documents. Only the most common methods have been listed here, which in most cases help resolve the question of how to open the dbf file.
DBF is a standard data storage format. It allows you to transfer and save the necessary information to spreadsheets and DBMS. Required components this file are the header and the data area. Any user sooner or later has to deal with this format. As a result, the question arises about how to open DBF. What software will help solve this problem?
How to open DBF in Windows
There is no need to panic if you cannot immediately find a program to open a database file. The solution to the problem is usually nearby. If MS Office is installed on your computer, you can use Excel or Access. First you need to launch the application, then select the “Open” menu item or press the key combination CTRL + O. In the "File Type" field, select "All". Next, you can select the desired document and open it. If this solution is not suitable for some reason, and the user still does not know how to open DBF, alternative options can be considered.
Programs that allow you to work with DBF
- DBFShow (free application, allows you to open and edit files);
- DBF Viewer Plus (free to use, lots of features);
- MS SQL Server(expensive DBMS);
- DBF Commander (distributed freely, viewing and editing);
- MS Access (paid program from the MS Office package);
- CDBF (paid program, advanced features);
- MS Excel (part of the Microsoft office suite).
The above list of applications for opening database files is far from complete. However, the user will certainly find in it required program. He can open a DBF file with it in a few seconds. Free apps can be easily found and downloaded online. Using paid software requires that the user first pays for using the software.
If problems arise
What can be done if the database flatly refuses to open in Excel and Access is not installed? How to open DBF in this case? Don't rush to look for other software. If MS Office is installed on your computer in a minimal configuration, then Excel may not have a special add-in for working with our format. Therefore, you need to first search the network and download the required library to your computer.
The library files are archived, and there are also detailed installation instructions. A user who is still puzzled by the question of how to open DBF needs to perform a few simple steps by copying the files to the folders specified in the instructions. After this, you should go to the “Add-ons” section in Excel program and check the box next to “Add-in for working with DBP”.
Senior Technology Writer
Someone sent you a e-mail DBF file and you don't know how to open it? Maybe you found a DBF file on your computer and were wondering what it was? Windows may tell you that you cannot open it, or in the worst case, you may encounter a corresponding error message associated with the DBF file.
Before you can open a DBF file, you need to find out what kind of file the DBF file extension is.
Tip: Incorrect DBF file association errors can be a symptom of other underlying issues within your Windows operating system. These invalid entries can also produce associated symptoms such as slow Windows startups, computer freezes, and other PC performance issues. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you scan your Windows registry for invalid file associations and other issues related to a fragmented registry.
Answer:
DBF files are Database Files, which are primarily associated with CDBF Database (WhiteTown Software).
DBF files are also associated with iAnywhere Database File (Sybase Inc.), The Network Diary Database (CF Systems Ltd), ACT! Main Database File (Best Software CRM Division), Alpha Five Table Data File (Alpha Software Inc.), NovaBACKUP Backup Database (NovaStor Corporation), Oracle 8.x Tablespace File, Abacus Law Data (Abacus Data Systems Inc.), Psion Series 3 Database (Psion PLC), ArcView Shapefile Attribute Table File (ESRI), Database, JetForm FormFlow Data File and FileViewPro.
Additional types of files may also use the DBF file extension. If you are aware of any other file formats that use the DBF file extension, please contact us so we can update our information accordingly.
How to open your DBF file:
The fastest and easy way Opening your DBF file means double-clicking on it. IN in this case Windows system will automatically select the necessary program to open your DBF file.
In case your DBF file does not open, it is very likely that the necessary software is not installed on your PC. application program to view or edit files with DBF extensions.
If your PC opens the DBF file, but it's the wrong application, you'll need to change your file association settings. Windows registry. In other words, Windows associates extensions dbf files with the wrong program.
Install optional products - FileViewPro (Solvusoft) | | | |
DBF File Analysis Tool™
Not sure what type the DBF file is? Do you want to get precise information about a file, its creator and how it can be opened?
Now you can instantly get all the necessary information about the DBF file!
Revolutionary DBF File Analysis Tool™ scans, analyzes and reports detailed information about the DBF file. Our patent-pending algorithm quickly analyzes the file and provides detailed information within seconds in a clear, easy-to-read format.†
In just a few seconds, you'll know exactly what type of DBF file you have, the application associated with the file, the name of the user who created the file, the file's security status, and other useful information.
To begin your free file analysis, simply drag and drop your DBF file inside the dotted line below, or click "Browse My Computer" and select your file. The DBF file analysis report will be shown below, right in the browser window.
Drag the DBF file here to start analysis
View my computer »
Please also check my file for viruses
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DBF - a database file, the ability to work with which was previously integrated into the environment Microsoft Office. Access and Excel applications worked with the format; later Access was removed from the package and became separate program, and in Excel since 2007, DataBaseFile support has been significantly limited.
If it is impossible to open a DBF file directly in Excel, you must first convert it.
However, DBF, although considered by many to be an outdated format, is still widely used in specialized programs in business, design, and engineering. Wherever it is necessary to work with large amounts of information, their structuring and processing, and executing queries. For example, the 1C Enterprise software package is entirely based on database management. And given that a lot of office documentation and data is processed in Excel, the issue of integrated work with these formats is relevant and in demand.
Excel problems when working with DBF
Excel 2003 had the ability to open and edit DBF, as well as save XLS documents in this format:
- Select "File" from the menu bar.
- Next, click “Save As”.
- Select “*.dbf” from the drop-down list.
IMPORTANT. Since 2007, you can open and view the database format in Excel, but you cannot make changes or save .xls documents in it. Standard means programs no longer provide this option.
However, there are special add-ons for the application that add such a function to it. Programmers post their developments online on various forums, and you can find different options. The most popular add-on, called XslToDBF, can be downloaded from the developer’s website http://basile-m.narod.ru/xlstodbf/download.html. The download is free, but if you wish, you can support the project by transferring any amount to your wallet or card.
Installation and use:
- Download the archive from the above site.
- Extract XlsToDBF.xla from it and save it on your computer.
- In Excel, go to the menu with the Microsoft icon on the left, “Options”.
- Under Excel Options, select Add-Ins.
- In the Manage/Excel Add-ins row, click Go.
- Click Browse and locate the saved XlsToDBF.xla.
- The entry “XLS -> DBF” should appear in the list of add-ons with the check box checked. Check if it is not there.
- Now you can save .xls to .dbf format. You can download from the same site detailed instructions by use. The main thing is to prepare tabular data correctly.
- Once the table is ready, select any filled cell and press Alt and F
- In the macro window that opens, type XlsToDBF in the field, case is not important.
- Click Run.
- If you have prepared and formatted the data correctly, the database file will also be saved in the folder where the source XLS is located.
If you don't want to change anything in Office, don't trust add-ins, and third party applications, then we can propose a more labor-intensive way to convert XLS file in DBF:
- Purchase and Install Microsoft program Access.
- In Excel, prepare and save the document.
- Click the "Open" button in MS Access and select the file.
- Now you need to configure the import correctly.
- Select the sheet to start with. If there are several of them, you still have to do one at a time.
- If the table has a header row, check the appropriate box.
- Next, you can change the table name.
- Now click on "External Data".
- Click the “Export”, “Advanced” button.
- Select dBase File.
- Specify a name and save location.
This method does not always work successfully; errors often occur in data processing and subsequent saving. And it is very long and inconvenient.
Conversion
In order not to suffer with office programs yourself, many applications have been created that allow you to transfer data from one format to another. Firstly, almost all powerful DBMS programs offer the ability to export to XLS and load from it. Secondly, there are small utilities that specialize in conversion. Here are some of them:
In all of these programs, conversion boils down to opening the source file and then running the "Convert" or "Export" command.
There are also free services online conversions. On such sites you are asked to send (download) the source file, click “Convert”, after which a link to the converted document will appear. To what extent you can trust such services, the decision is individual, at your own peril and risk.
Thus, you can open the DBF in Excel, but if its version is 2007 or newer, then you won’t be able to do anything more with it, just look. There are special add-ons or programs for editing and saving in XLS, as well as for converting in the opposite direction. If you have experience converting and working with DBF to different applications, share your tips in the comments.