File Extension Database

Open DOT File

DOT file extension is most commonly associated with a Microsoft Word template document. The DOT file extension may also represent a Corel Lines Definition file, or a file written in the DOT language for use with graph visualization tools such as Graphviz, though these in particular are uncommon as files of this type now use the File extension GV extension. You can open DOT file with Corel Line Definitions using products from Corel.

Microsoft Word uses document templates to define standard formatting features such as the page setup, font face and text colors. DOT template files can also include custom toolbars and macros to fill predetermined text, such as a company name or address, into any document created using the template. DOT templates are particularly useful when documents with the same formatting or layout are produced regularly, or when creating customized stationary as templates can be made for a variety of different items such as letters, faxes and envelopes. Embedded macros within the template can then be used to fill in information automatically whenever a blank document using the saved DOT template is created.

DOT templates can be created by setting up a document in Microsoft Word and saving it as a template which can then be opened for future use via the new document dialogue box. Additionally, Microsoft Word also comes bundled with a number of commonly used templates such as letters, memos, websites and publications.

Though DOT files themselves do not pose a security risk, some may contain embedded macros. These are a series of commands either performed and saved by the user, or written in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and can be used to perform routine formatting tasks or fill information into a template. However, macros can also created maliciously, so DOT files containing macros from unknown sources should be avoided.

You can open DOT files natively using an appropriate version of Microsoft Word, or NeoOffice Writer, the latter of which is available on the Mac platform.

Typical DOT application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\WINWORD.EXE /n /dde
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\WINWORD.EXE" /n "%1"

Typical DOT mime types:

application/msword

Frequently used application names to open DOT files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Word.Template.8

How Can I Open DOT File on Windows

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

How Can I Open DOT File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open DOT File on Android

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

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

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