File Extension Database

Open CGI File

A file with the CGI extension is a Common Gateway Interface file, that is the reason for its acronym.

Common Gateway Interface is an interface specification that allows web servers to run an external program.

CGI files are text files but since they are written in a programming language like C or Perl, they can function as executable files under certain conditions, but in any case, they are programming scripts.

An example is a CGI file that contains scripts that are responsible for sending email from a form on a website.

These CGI files are often seen in the 'cgi-bin' directory of a web server.

Open a CGI file

Since CGI files are text files, any text editor can be used to view and edit them.

The Notepad++ program is one of the most suitable for opening CGI files, because it has highlighting, among other tools.

Notepad++ is a source code and text editor compatible with Microsoft Windows.

This software supports tabbed editing, allowing you to work with multiple files open in a single window.

It is important to note that CGI files will not work correctly on a web server if their original format is changed, or even if their extension is changed, therefore, the latter is not recommended.

Software to open a CGI file

Notepad++

How Can I Open CGI File on Windows

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

How Can I Open CGI File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open CGI File on Android

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

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

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.