File Extension Database

Open RDF File

File extension RDF is most commonly associated with a document written using the Resource Description Framework. RDF files were used in RDF Site Summary (RSS 1.0) feeds to publish updates to web pages, as well as by web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox to store window, toolbar and plug-in settings. Though less common, the RDF file extension is also used to define Report Definitions.

The Resource Description Framework is defined by a set of specifications outlined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and was designed to be a universal way of representing web-based resources in a structured format using metadata. RDF files are usually in plain text format, and can contain information about a website, such as page updates, keywords, linked resources or site map. However, RDF simply represents a format for modelling data, so although it was developed primarily for web-based resources, it can be used to represent anything. Files containing serialized RDF model data are usually written in either File extension XML or Notation 3, the latter of which has been developed to be more concise to aid readability.

The Report Definition Format is used by several applications, including ActiveReports for Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, which allows a report to be saved and displayed exactly as it was generated without the need to actually run the report again. Though this cuts down on processing overheads by eliminating the need to run a report every time it is required, Report Definition Format files are static, meaning that if data used to generate the report changes, the report itself does not.

RDF files containing data models can be opened in a text editor, whereas those containing application settings data can be opened using Mozilla web browsers such as Firefox. RDF files which are report definitions can be opened using the application they were produced in, such as Oracle Reports or an appropriate Visual Studio .NET application.

How Can I Open RDF File on Windows

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

How Can I Open RDF File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open RDF File on Android

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

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