File Extension Database

Open ROOT File

While some file extensions might be quite familiar due to their common usage, there are many others that users might come across less frequently. ROOT file extensions fall into this category and not everyone might be familiar with them or know how to use them. This article aims to shed light on this lesser-known file extension and provide information about the possible formats and ways to open and use .root files.

What is a ROOT File?

ROOT is a data analysis framework developed by CERN - the European Organization for Nuclear Research. ROOT was primarily designed for data mining and data analysis in particle physics. Files with the .root extension are, therefore, often associated with software developed at CERN for data analysis.

Opening and Using ROOT Files

The easiest and most recommended way to open and use a ROOT file is by installing the ROOT system itself. It is freely available and can be downloaded from the CERN website. ROOT is designed to handle and analyze large amounts of data in a efficient and convenient way.

Alternative Software for ROOT Files

While using the ROOT system is the most straightforward way to open ROOT files, alternative software exists. One of them is the ROOT Viewer, which is a free, online viewer for ROOT files. Another option is ROOTEr, offering a different analysis perspective for ROOT files.

Storing Files in ROOT Format

Files are often stored in ROOT format as it offers a compact and efficient way of storing and retrieving large datasets. When working with huge datasets, such as those in particle physics, storage efficiency becomes significant. This is one of the reasons why ROOT files are so common within the physics and science communities.

ROOT File Important Information

To keep in mind, ROOT's .root file extension should not be confused with other uses of the term "root" in computer software. In the ROOT system, a .root file is specifically a file that stores data in the ROOT object format. Moreover, it�s worth mentioning that .root files can store a wide range of different types of data, including histograms, arrays, and trees of data, among others. Whether you are a regular user or new to ROOT, understanding how to open and use ROOT files is crucial for efficient data analysis.

How Can I Open ROOT File on Windows

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

How Can I Open ROOT File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open ROOT File on Android

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

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

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