File Extension Database

Open MDF File

MDF file extension is used by many different application including the following (listed in the order of likelihood):

Master Database File of Microsoft SQL server. These files are contain similar data to ones with file extension File extension DB. In this case you can open MDF files using Microsoft SQL Server.
Optical disk CD/DVD image created by Alcohol 120%. Optical media images contain comprehensive information about data recorded on the disk and physical aspects of this recording. This allows accurate replication of this data by either writing it to another disk or mounting it as a virtual disk;
Menu Definition File. These files contain information about order and layout of items in program menus;
Molecular Data File; created by Insight II application;

It's important to use correct application when opening MDF files. Application mistmatch will likely result in error.

Frequently associated Windows objects:

SQLServer.Engine.PrimaryDataFile

How Can I Open MDF File on Windows

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

How Can I Open MDF File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open MDF File on Android

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

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