File Extension Database

Open MDI File

The MDI (Microsoft Document Imaging) file extension was originally created by Microsoft as one of the components of its office suite.

The file type was used by Microsoft to save documents that were scanned into the system.

Once scanned, an optical character recognition software, called OCR, could be used to scan the graphics in the document, detect the characters, and convert them into words, resulting in a common Word file.

Typically an MDI document can only be created through a Microsoft product specially designed for this function.

Microsoft Office Document Imaging, MODI, is the most common software for this task.

Although the MODI format was a standard within Office XP for several years, it is currently discontinued, so if you have an old document created with MODI and it has the MDI extension, you won't be able to open it unless you have the specific old version of Office XP.

You will need to convert the MDI file to one that your operating system can handle.

Typical MDI application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\MODI\12.0\MSPVIEW.EXE "%1"

Typical MDI mime types:

image/vnd.ms-modi

Frequently used application names to open MDI files:

Common Files

Frequently associated Windows objects:

MSPaper.Document

How Can I Open MDI File on Windows

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

How Can I Open MDI File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open MDI File on Android

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

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