File Extension Database

Open CIF File

CIF files (Crystallographic Information Files) are generated by biological imaging software and contain information in medical instrument specific format. BIF format was developed by IUCr Working Party on Crystallographic Information. CIF file format is described on Bio-Formats CIF page. CIF file format could be parsed by Bio-Formats Library.

You can also check the list of all formats supported by Bio-Formats library.

CIF file format is described at Crystallographic Information Framework web page.

You can also use Bio CIF to parse CIF files.

How Can I Open CIF File on Windows

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

How Can I Open CIF File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open CIF File on Android

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

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