File Extension Database

Open APP File

File extension APP is most commonly associated with Macintosh OS X application package files. Though less common, the APP file extension is also used by Visual FoxPro 5 and above, the object-orientated procedural programming language developed by Microsoft, as well as by applications that run on the Symbian Operating System, typically found on Nokia and Sony Ericsson mobile phones and PDA?s. The APP file extension has also been used by numerous applications to denote generic application resource files or add-ons.

Mac application package files, or bundles, are similar in nature to executable File extension EXE files in Windows, and can be run to launch an application or open a self-extracting archive. In Mac OS X, it is also possible to view the contents of the package by control-clicking on it in Finder -- the Mac equivalent of Windows Explorer - and selecting "Show Package Contents" from the context menu. The contents of an APP package typically includes application resources, frameworks and plug-ins required either by or to run an application, as well as a File extension PLIST (Property List) file, which is used to store user settings or application version information. As Mac application packages often contain source files, it is not advisable to modify their contents without a full understanding of the consequences as it may prevent the application from running correctly.

Any executable file is a potential security risk, and even though malware such as viruses are rare on both the Mac and Symbian Operating Systems, they do exist. However, the risk can be minimised by having up to date antivirus software installed and only acquiring and running APP files from trusted sources.

APP files are native to Mac OS X, which runs them itself, as does Symbian OS on supported mobile phones. Microsoft Visual FoxPro is required to open generated automated procedure APP files.

How Can I Open APP File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open APP file is to find a APP file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a APP 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 APP 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 APP file opener then try to search online for "APP viewer", "application to open APP file" or "open APP file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open APP file

How Can I Open APP File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a APP file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a APP 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 APP file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as APP file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open APP file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open APP file then try to search for "APP viewer", "application to open APP file" or "read APP file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read APP file

How Can I Open APP File on Android

If you downloaded a APP 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 APP 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 "APP".
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 "APP viewer", "APP 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 APP File on iPhone or iPad

To open APP 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 APP 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 "APP". This way you can find apps which can open APP 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 "APP viewer" or "APP file" online in your favorite search engine.