File Extension Database

Open MAT File

A MAT file extension typically refers to a binary file format commonly used to store data in a format that is easily read by programs like MATLAB, Python and other programming languages. The primary purpose of MAT files is to store variables, arrays, and other data types for easy retrieval, manipulation, and analysis. They can be opened and used across platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, using appropriate tools and libraries. This article will delve into some of the software and libraries available to handle MAT files and their various applications.

Opening and Using MAT Files in MATLAB

As their name suggests, MAT files are intrinsically linked to MATLAB, a high-level programming language and interactive environment for scientific computing, data analysis, and engineering applications. MATLAB is the primary software used to read, write, and manipulate MAT files. Opening and working with MAT files in MATLAB is simple, using the load and save commands to retrieve and save data, respectively.

SciPy Library for Python

In addition to MATLAB, other programming languages can also work with MAT files. The Python programming language uses the popular SciPy library for scientific computing and data manipulation. The library provides numerous functions and tools for working with MAT files. With the scipy.io.loadmat() and scipy.io.savemat() functions, you can easily open and save data from and into MAT files in your Python environment.

Octave: An Open-Source Alternative to MATLAB

If you prefer an open-source software for working with MAT files, consider GNU Octave. Octave is a high-level programming language that offers a close compatibility with MATLAB, allowing you to read, write, and manipulate MAT files with ease. With similar syntax and functions to MATLAB, transitioning between the two programs is relatively easy, and Octave can be a cost-effective option for processing and analyzing data from MAT files.

HDF5 Format for Large-Scale Data Storage

Another use for the MAT file extension is storing data in the HDF5 format. This hierarchical data format is designed for organizing, managing, and storing large amounts of data on a variety of platforms. MAT files in the HDF5 format can be opened and manipulated with specialized tools and libraries, such as the h5py library for Python or the HDFView tool.

MAT File Important Information

In summary, the MAT file extension serves as an essential format for storing data in a binary format that can be easily accessed and manipulated by several programming languages and software. To work with MAT files, consider utilizing MATLAB, Python with the SciPy library, or the open-source GNU Octave software. For large-scale data storage, the HDF5 format may be suitable, with tools like the h5py library for Python, and the HDFView tool for browsing and managing data.

Typical MAT application file locations:

C:\PROGRA~2\MICROS~2\Office12\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP /SHELLSYSTEM [OpenTable "%1"]
C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office14\MSACCESS.EXE /NOSTARTUP /SHELLSYSTEM [OpenTable "%1"]

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Access.Shortcut.Table.1

How Can I Open MAT File on Windows

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

How Can I Open MAT File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open MAT File on Android

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

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