File Extension Database

Open ANI File

An ANI extension file is a cursor animation file used by the Windows operating system.

This file contains image frames for the animation sequence as a collection of ICO files.

ANI files are similar to CUR files, but contain multiple sequential images, used for animation.

The ANI file is a structured container of the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) type, used to store animated images of the cursor in various generations of MS Windows.

As a container, an ANI file contains a series of raster bitmap static images with a fixed number of pixels.

When an ANI cursor is activated, the images within the cursor file are displayed in a pre-programmed sequence, creating effective animations.

MS Windows desktop themes contain various ANI files that can be assigned to different actions and states of that System.

It is necessary to know that ANI files are not closed and can be downloaded from third-party developers and are often included with custom desktop themes.

There is a security element related to animated cursors, which affects Windows 2000 to Windows Vista, but it has already been resolved.

As a final note, ANI cursor graphics can be previewed using a standard thumbnail view in Windows Explorer.

ANI files are known as "Animated Pointer" files in Windows, but there is no default association for the ANI extension with any software.

Frequently associated Windows objects:

anifile

How Can I Open ANI File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ANI file is to find a ANI file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ANI file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ANI file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ANI file opener then try to search online for "ANI viewer", "application to open ANI file" or "open ANI file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ANI file

How Can I Open ANI File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ANI file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ANI file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ANI file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ANI file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ANI file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ANI file then try to search for "ANI viewer", "application to open ANI file" or "read ANI file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ANI file

How Can I Open ANI File on Android

If you downloaded a ANI file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ANI file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ANI".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ANI viewer", "ANI file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ANI File on iPhone or iPad

To open ANI File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ANI file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ANI". This way you can find apps which can open ANI files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ANI viewer" or "ANI file" online in your favorite search engine.