If you have found a file with the DBF extension somewhere and don't know how to open it, and the operating system cannot find installed programs that can work with such files, then you've come to the right address. After all, in our article we will deal with the problem of opening such files - we will find out what the DBF format is generally used for, what programs are better to use to work with files of this format, which 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 transfer information. They are used in CS by databases, etc. Today, the dbf extension is used by various applications, although it was originally only introduced by the dBase program. Initially, dBase was the most popular database program, with the advent of Microsoft Access she lost some ground. Despite this, many new programs use the dbf extension.

What programs open dbf file

Often there are questions about which program to choose to open a dbf file. So… 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 as follows:

1. dbfshow. This free program. It is characterized by wide functionality, for which it is popular among users. Developers are constantly improving the program, new features appear in it.
2. DBFViewer 2000 is an excellent well-designed application, one of the main advantages is the wide possibilities of both exporting and importing data. However, it is positioned as shareware.
3. DBF Navigator - the program pleases with the speed of work and is distributed free of charge, but, unfortunately, the developer company has already stopped releasing updates.

If it is not possible to install the desired application, 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-in "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 issue of how to open the dbf file.

DBF format files store tabular data, databases, various reports, etc. At the head of the structure is the header, and below it is the rest of the contents of the file. A distinctive feature of a file with this format is the ability to work with most well-known database management systems.

Opening process

You can open DBF files in several programs. In addition to opening the file in these programs, you can also edit it there.

Program 1: DBF Commander

This is a paid program that allows you to open DBF files and perform primitive manipulations with them if necessary. It has a trial period, during which the program's capabilities are not limited in any way. Also in the program there is a Russian language and a user-friendly interface.

Instructions for opening files in DBF Commander:

Program 2: DBF Viewer Plus

It's a little more simple program, which has a similar interface to the previous software. However, it is distributed completely free of charge and does not require installation. The functionality is almost similar to the previous software.

The step-by-step instructions for this program are as follows:

Program 3: DBF Viewer 2000

This is a program with a very simple interface, translated into Russian. It has wide functionality for working with DBF files. Here you can process files larger than 2 GB. However, the paid software, however, has a trial period during which you can use all the functions without restrictions.

Instructions for opening files in this program are as follows:

Program 4: CDBF

This solution represents a very wide functionality for working with databases and their derivative files. In addition to editing database files, you can create various reports and supporting documents. The interface can be translated into Russian, and the functionality is extended using third-party plug-ins from the network. CDBF is a paid program, but at the same time it has both a demo period and a truncated free version, the functionality of which will be enough to open DBF files.

Instruction:

Program 5: MS Excel

Excel is one of the programs in the Microsoft Office suite. In some Windows versions this package along with the program may already be preinstalled, in others you will have to buy the entire Office package or use the demo version. This program is designed to create and edit tables of varying complexity. Supports many formats, and also has a convenient and functional interface in Russian.

The instruction for opening a DBF file is as follows:

Using one of the programs presented in the instructions, you can open and edit the DBF file. From the entire list, only DBF Viewer Plus can be distinguished, which is distributed on a completely free basis.

You "re here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .dbf. Files with the file extension .dbf can only be launched by certain applications. It"s possible that .dbf files are data files rather than documents or media , which means they "re not meant to be viewed at all.

what is a .dbf file?

DBASE developed the DBF format, which is generally used for database files implemented by the dBASE database management system software for storing, retrieving and referencing data saved in the DBF format. These DBF files are appended with the .dbf extension, and the content of these DBF files may consist of structured text data with details for the values ​​of the data stored in each field set or array data type. An xBase database management application is a program implemented with support for these DBF files. The popularity of the DBF format started its implementation into other database management applications. For instance, the Microsoft Access 2010 software can be installed by users of Microsoft Windows-based systems to create, open and view the content of a DBF file. Linux users can create, open and modify the content of a DBF file with OpenOffice.org versions developed for Unix-based systems. The Planamesa NeoOffice software can on the other hand be installed and used by Mac users to create, open and edit the content of these DBF files.

how to open a .dbf file?

Launch a .dbf file, or any other file on your PC, by double-clicking it. If your file associations are set up correctly, the application that"s meant to open your .dbf file will open it. It"s possible you may need to download or purchase the correct application. It "s also possible that you have the correct application on your PC, but .dbf files aren't yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open a .dbf file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for that file. From then on, opening a .dbf file will open the correct application.

applications that open a .dbf file

dBase

Pervasive PSQL, dataBased Intelligence dBASE, Rosenvick AspireGold

FoxPro

Planamesa NeoOffice

Planamesa NeoOffice

DataBased Intelligence dBase

dataBased Intelligence dBase

Hello friends! Today we are talking about files with the DBF format and how to open them. Familiar extension? So much the better - you just repeat what you have already learned, but if I am wrong in something, then you can safely point out mistakes. Let's start, as always, with a little background information.

DBF File Extension - What is it?

Files in this format are used to store various data, as well as to transfer various information between management systems (tables, databases, reports, etc.)

If you turn to history, you can trace the chain of various programs that used improved versions. 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 argue, due to the lack of standardization, that a program created or developed will freely recognize any file with such an extension. However, the common 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 are a large number of viewers. And without exact knowledge of the program on which the file was created, the opening process turns into an exciting puzzle. Although there is a list universal programs and editors below.

How to open a file with the .dbf extension?

1. The universal format reader is Excel.

2. WinDBFview is a free program for viewing and editing DBF files. 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 characterized by versatility, a 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 on the built-in editor.

5. STM-Data Explorer provides the following features:

• reading information of local and server DBMS
• sorting and filtering information
• table structure data
• ability to create bookmarks
• ability to open the table in a new window
• autoload function at system startup
• transferring information to Word, Excel, IE

6. DBF SEE is a free simple and convenient viewer that supports editing and encoding tables.

7. DBREdit - editor of tables and databases DBF, designed to work without the use of additional drivers and access systems. The program supports work with dBaseIII+, dBaseIV, dBaseV, dBaseVII, FoxPro, VisualFoxPro and handwritten tables. In addition, DBREdit provides the ability to work together multiple computers on a shared base.

8. DBF Editor is a DBF file editor and viewer that provides various database operations, 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 versions of formats
• reading memo fields
• encoding and transcoding
• editing
• Search
• preservation
• filter
• seal
• no external drivers

Here is a list of the best and most popular programs. I hope the information provided was helpful to you. See you soon!

A .DBF file is a file that stores various data, this format is actively used by database management systems, spreadsheet management systems and other similar systems. It should be noted that in the field of spreadsheets and databases, this format is the standard, which leads to its frequent use in this role.

For the first time given format was used in the LibreOffice program, which was used as standard file for database management. Since LibreOffice is a family of very widespread spreadsheet and database management systems, and given extension proved to be excellent in its role, then it began to be actively used for these purposes by many other programs that had to use databases and spreadsheets in their work.

If we consider the structure of files with the .DBF extension, we can distinguish the following elements:

• Title. Here is information that relates to the structure of the database.
• Database area. This part of the file contains records of a certain length, which are formed into a table.

Typically, .DBF files come with .DBT and .FPT files, which are not separate formats and can only be opened with their respective .DBF file.

History of the DBF format.

Since this format has a rather rich history, which dates back to the 1980s, during all this time the format has been significantly improved and modified, so despite the fact that it has remained the basic standard for many programs, it cannot be 100 percent guaranteed that many modern programs that use databases and spreadsheets will be able to open this format, however in most cases a file of this format is opened by many programs.

How to open DBF file

Users who work constantly with databases and documents that have DBF permission do not need to be told how and with what program this file is opened. But, if you got such a file and you don’t know what it is, you can’t open it and extract data from it, then this article will be useful.

Many programs can work with documents that are databases. The simplest are OpenOffice and LibreOffice and we will write about them.

These are packages of office applications for working on a wide variety of projects, including those with databases.

• After downloading and installing the OpenOffice package, launch the program by clicking on the program's shortcut on the desktop. In the window that opens, select the "Open" button.

• Next, select a file on your computer that has the .dbf resolution of your database table and click Open.

• Then you should select the document encoding to correctly display the information contained in the file ( incorrect choice encodings can lead to errors and display of information in the document in incomprehensible characters).

• That's it, the document is open in the OpenOffice environment and you can continue to work with it.

Similarly, a database with .dbf permission is opened in LibreOffice.

How to open DBF file in Excel

V Microsoft program Excel since version 2007 simply cannot open a dbf file. In version 2003 and older, more support given file There was, but then it was removed. To convert a database into a table and to be able to work on it, you need to use special programs that convert a file of one format to another, in particular, this is DBF Converter and others like them.

Developers software do not sleep and actively create resources with which you can open the DBF file online, edit it and save it on your computer without installing additional software. This program for working with DBF files - DBFShow is still under development.

There are a large number of programs that can work with .DBF files, some of the most famous are such programs as: OpenOffice and LibreOffice, you can download them from the links above.