File Extension Database

Open DBC File

The .DBC file extension is primarily known as a database file format used in several different software applications. However, the most common application is with CAN (Controller Area Network) bus communication protocols. In this article, we'll explore the primary uses of the .DBC file extension and provide some resources for working with these file types.

DBC Files and CAN bus

CAN bus is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other's applications without a host computer. A .DBC file (Database CAN) is a text file that contains information for decoding the raw CAN bus data. The file describes a complex hierarchy of information including messages, signals, attributes, and comments.

The .DBC files can be edited and viewed using various tools. Some of the prominent tools include CANoe, CANalyzer, and CSS Electronics' DBC tools.

DBC Files in FoxPro

DBC files are also used in the FoxPro database software where .DBC stands for database container. These DBC files contain structural information about the database, including the tables, fields, and the relationships between them.

Microsoft Visual FoxPro can be used to open these .DBC files. However, FoxPro has been discontinued by Microsoft, and for more modern database applications, it may be necessary to convert these DBC files to another database format. Tools like DBF to SQL Converter can be used for this purpose.

DBC File Important Information

While dealing with .DBC files, the user should be aware of the context in which they are working. If it's in automotive or industrial control systems, the .DBC file is most likely associated with the CAN bus system. On the other hand, if it's within a database context, especially in older systems, the .DBC file could be related to FoxPro or similar database software.

Ensure that you have the correct software to open and manipulate .DBC files. Always back up your data before performing any operations on these files, especially if you're using conversion tools.

How Can I Open DBC File on Windows

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

How Can I Open DBC File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open DBC File on Android

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

To open DBC 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 DBC 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 "DBC". This way you can find apps which can open DBC 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 "DBC viewer" or "DBC 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.