File Extension Database

Open CHW File

A file with the CHW extension is a compiled help index file.

Created when multiple compiled HTML Help files, which have the CHM extension, are merged.

CHW files index CHM files which are help documents used by some programs to store questions and answers about how a program works or what different options mean.

CHM files, and therefore CHWs, are saved in HTML format, so they can include text, hyperlinks, and images, and can generally be viewed in any web browser.

CHW files are therefore used to maintain a content index of the information in the different CHM files, as well as references to the locations of the CHM files.

CHW files are normally not compressed, so they tend to be quite large, but some programs support compression to a much smaller file size.

For example, if you use a program like KeyCHW or FAR from The Helpware Group, you can compress CHW files and decrease the file size substantially.

FAR software allows you to view the contents of a CHW file.

Choose Authorization ? Help File Browser... from the application menu, then select your CHW file.

Software to open and work with a CHW file

The Helpware Group FAR

How Can I Open CHW File on Windows

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

How Can I Open CHW File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open CHW File on Android

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

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